Egypt Targets 450 Digital Government Services by 2030

Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Raafat Hendy, has outlined an ambitious roadmap to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, including expanding digital government services, boosting technology exports, strengthening digital infrastructure, and advancing artificial intelligence. The plans were presented during a meeting with members of the Digital Transformation Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Cairo, where both sides discussed priorities for the telecommunications and ICT sector and ways to create a more attractive investment environment.

Hendy said the ministry’s strategy is built around five key pillars: digital transformation, technology localization and job creation, digital infrastructure, digital skills development, and legislation and governance. He noted that Egypt currently offers 242 government services through the Egypt Digital Platform and aims to expand that number to more than 270 services by the end of 2026 and approximately 450 services by 2030. The ministry is also expanding the use of digital identity and electronic signatures while improving digital government systems to enhance public service delivery, business efficiency, and investment attractiveness.

The minister highlighted Egypt’s efforts to develop its local technology manufacturing industry, particularly mobile phone production. Annual production increased from three million devices in 2024 to 10 million by the end of 2025, with a target of exceeding 15 million handsets this year and reaching a production capacity of 30 million devices by 2028. The government also aims to increase the local manufacturing component of mobile devices to around 45%.

Artificial intelligence remains a major priority for the ministry. Hendy said Egypt launched the second edition of its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in early 2025, while the Applied Innovation Center has developed the country’s large language model, “Crank.” The ministry is also supporting AI-powered solutions in key sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education, as part of broader efforts to localize advanced technologies and create high-value digital jobs.

On digital infrastructure, the minister said new spectrum was allocated to mobile network operators earlier this year to support wider network coverage and the rollout of 5G services. Egypt is also expanding fiber-optic infrastructure, with connections already extended to more than 1,250 villages under the presidential “Hayat Karima” initiative. In parallel, the ministry is developing a national strategy for data centers to strengthen digital sovereignty and attract both domestic and international investment. Hendy emphasized that cybersecurity remains a strategic priority alongside increased adoption of AI and data-driven technologies.

The ministry is also intensifying efforts to develop digital talent through initiatives such as the Digital Egypt Generations program, the Information Technology Institute (ITI), the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI), the WE School for Applied Technology, and the Egyptian Information Technology Institute. Future programs will place greater emphasis on advanced and specialized skills aligned with evolving labor market demands.

Hendy revealed that Egypt’s telecommunications and ICT sector recorded a growth rate of 20.3% during the third quarter of the last fiscal year—the highest in the sector’s history. The sector currently contributes around 6% to the country’s GDP, with the government targeting an increase to 8% by 2030. He also reaffirmed the ministry’s objective of increasing Egypt’s technology exports to US$8 billion by 2028, positioning the country as a regional digital innovation hub.

Members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cairo welcomed the ministry’s strategic direction and reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the government and the private sector to implement the next phase of Egypt’s digital agenda. They praised the ministry’s progress in accelerating digital transformation, strengthening digital competitiveness, expanding data center investments, developing digital skills, and fostering a supportive environment for innovation while maintaining Egypt’s digital sovereignty.