MCIT minister shares commitment to expanding digital infrastructure during UN tech summit

Cairo – September 23, 2024: During the Summit of the Future Action Days at the United Nations in New York yesterday, Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Amr Talaat, underscored Egypt’s commitment to developing the country’s infrastructure and digitalization.

Egypt aims “to continue digitalizing government services while ensuring their accessibility through multiple channels so that no one is left behind,” Talaat explained.

The country’s ongoing fiber-optic cable project under the “Decent Life” (Hayat Karima) initiative is set to benefit over 58 million people, nearly 50 percent of Egypt’s population, by enhancing internet access in rural areas, Talaat told the audience.

The minister spoke on the global discussion surrounding digitalization, particularly in developing countries where economic disparities are widening due to technological advancements.

“The echoes of skepticism about recent developments are looming large, but in Egypt, I also assure you that the sounds of hope are thunderous,” the minister explained.

Talaat highlighted the progress of several significant digital transformation initiatives in Egypt aimed at improving the lives of millions of citizens.

He raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on job markets, while also highlighting the opportunities that the digital era presents for job creation and development.

The MCITMin emphasized the significant growth in digital training programs, noting that the number of trainees has increased by 125 times over the past six years, with 500,000 individuals expected to benefit from training this year alone.

These initiatives are designed to equip participants with digital skills, facilitating their employment in global companies and fostering entrepreneurial ventures.

The minister participated in a session titled "Hope for Digitalization - A Digital Future for All," which featured discussions on the importance of leveraging technology for inclusive and sustainable futures.

The session included contributions from key figures, such as Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, as well as ministers from several African nations.

The SDG Digital event, themed "A Digital Future for All," aims to spotlight the critical role of digital technology and innovative solutions in achieving sustainable development. Talaat's participation came as part of an invitation from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations.

On the sidelines of the event, the MCITMin met with World Bank officials, including Sangboo Kim, Vice President for Digital Transformation, to discuss enhancing cooperation on digital transformation and infrastructure development in Egypt. The discussions also covered projects aimed at providing high-speed internet in villages as part of the “Decent Life” initiative.