MCIT’s digital transformation for sustainable development project wins AGFUND International Prize

Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) was recently awarded the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development.

The award, presented by the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), recognized the MCIT's efforts and success in its Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development in Egypt (DT4SDE) project for its focus on "decent work and economic growth."

In an official statement, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, congratulated the team behind the implementation of the project for winning the AGFUND International Prize.

Talaat emphasized that the project is part of the MCIT's comprehensive strategy to drive digital transformation by integrating technologies across various aspects of community development. This strategy includes developing ICT infrastructure, enhancing digital capacities, fostering innovation and creativity, and strengthening Egypt's regional and international position.

The project acquired the International Prize in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which centers on decent work and economic growth, winning a prize of $200,000. Among 108 nominated projects in the four prize categories, only 54 projects met the criteria and were evaluated.

The DT4SDE project aims to enhance the quality of life by leveraging information and communication technology (ICT) tools and applications, focusing on raising community awareness about the significance of ICT, fostering sustainable community development through digital capacity building, and equipping individuals to adapt to the digital transformation, ultimately leading to the establishment of a digital society in Egypt.

Implemented by the Central Department for Digital Community Development at the MCIT, the DT4SDE project covers several pillars that contribute to skills development for employment; the Qodwa-Tech program, which empowers women socially and economically; the Jobs and Skills for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) project that utilizes ICT-based solutions; programs for promoting e-learning and qualifying youth for freelancing; and the Activating the Role of IT Clubs in Community Development initiative.

Talaat highlighted the project's contribution to adapting innovative technological solutions that improve the employability of various segments of society, particularly PwDs, women, and youth, helping them to secure decent jobs and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship, and freelancing. The minister emphasized the project’s crucial role in promoting inclusive economic growth.