- Cairo ICT 2024, held from November 17-20, explored trends in AI’s role in data centers, cybersecurity, blockchain, smart cities, and IoT.
- Major digital transformation projects were showcased, including Digital Egypt platform, which now has over 8 million users.
- Egypt’s CIT Minister announced that the country now exports digital services, supported by 145,000 specialists and 23 innovation centers.
The Cairo ICT 2024 conference and exhibition wrapped up its sessions on November 20th, under the theme “The Next Wave,” highlighting the latest technologies and exploring future trends.
Key areas discussed during the event included the impact of AI on data centers, practical cybersecurity training, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, smart city development, and integrating innovation into the Internet of Things.
Several successful digital transformation projects were presented, including the Digital Egypt platform, which has 8 million users, according to the State Information Service.
Egypt’s CIT Sector Progress Over Six Years
Egypt’s digital transformation efforts center on simplifying digital government services. The main goal is to empower citizens in the digital economy, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing digital infrastructure.
Communications and Information Technology Minister Amr Talaat shared during the conference that 145,000 specialists now export digital services from Egypt, with 11,000 focusing on high-value areas like designing electronic circuits and integrated automotive systems.
The ministry has also established 23 innovation centers across 19 governorates, and announced its plans to open an additional 9 centers nationwide.
Stakeholders role in Digital Transformation
The CBE also emphasized the crucial roles of various in the financial technology sector, including startups, payment service providers, venture capitalists, angel investment networks, business incubators and accelerators, banks operating in Egypt, and financial infrastructure providers.
These entities have all been instrumental in advancing the development of Egypt’s fintech ecosystem.
Ibrahim Sarhan, CEO of eFinance, highlighted the company’s role in automating Egypt’s EGP 1.5 trillion public budget and providing over 200 government digital services.
eFinance is expanding into data centers and cloud computing, targeting growth in Africa and the Arab world, according to the AI Data Center website.
e& Egypt highlighted its latest innovations in fintech and digital applications. This included strategic projects like acquiring a 5G services license and the development of Ras El-Hekma city.
Egypt’s Outsourcing Exports Surge
Ahmed El Zaher, CEO of Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), emphasized during the conference that ITIDA’s role in attracting global players to Egypt. He noted that outsourcing exports increased from USD 2.4 billion to USD 3.7 billion over the past year, according to Al Ahram Online.
El Zaher credited this growth to Egypt’s competitive advantages, including a skilled, multilingual, and cost-effective workforce catering to diverse global markets.
Global Innovation Showcased
During the conference, local and international companies showcased their recent projects that can meet the country’s approach for more digitization and sustainability.
In a major step towards a sustainable future, Egypt has unveiled its National Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy.
The strategy shows that Low-Carbon Hydrogen is a key element of the nation’s broader initiative to shift to a green econom. As it is tackling the global challenge of climate change, according to Net Zero Circle.
Huawei unveiled its flagship “Power-M Digital Power” solution at Cairo ICT 2024, marking a key advancement in energy innovation. The “Power-M” is designed to offer comprehensive energy solutions. It is also integrating power generation, energy storage, and automatic switchover in a single system.
Furthermore, “Power-M” ‘s aim is to enhance energy efficiency, prevent blackouts, and support the transition toward a low-carbon economy. By leveraging green technologies, it reduces carbon footprints and addresses household power needs with reliable, stable electricity, according to Zawya news website.
Cairo ICT Underscore Egypt’s Potential
The conference demonstrated the significant strides being made in digital transformation, from advancements in AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity to the push for smart cities and green energy solutions.
Egypt’s strategic investments in infrastructure, such as the establishment of innovation centers and digital government services, are setting the stage for continued growth in the ICT sector.
The discussions around fintech, digital exports, and sustainability initiatives, along with Egypt’s evolving role as a regional outsourcing leader, underscore the country’s potential to become a key player in the global digital economy.
As the nation progresses towards its goals of a green, digital-first future, the collaboration between government, industry, and innovation will be vital in navigating the next wave of technological evolution.
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