President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has directed the expansion of 5G networks, artificial intelligence applications and cloud computing infrastructure as Egypt moves to strengthen its digital economy and telecommunications sector.
The directives were issued during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hindy and Director of the Armed Forces Signals Department Major General Hany Mahmoud Mansour on September 19.
Egypt to Expand 5G Networks
President El-Sisi directed officials to accelerate the deployment of fifth-generation mobile networks across Egypt while strengthening the resilience of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The presidency said the government is also seeking to reduce concentration risks within telecom infrastructure to improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of Egypt’s communications and information technology sector.
The expansion forms part of a broader push to improve digital connectivity and support services that increasingly depend on high-speed networks.
Greater Investment in AI and Cloud Computing
Artificial intelligence and cloud computing were also major areas of focus during the meeting.
President El-Sisi called for attracting and stimulating additional investment in both sectors while expanding the construction of hyperscale data centers, which the presidency described as a fundamental pillar of the digital economy.
The government is also working to integrate AI-powered applications into several sectors, supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s Applied Innovation Center and other initiatives focused on emerging technologies.
Egypt Aims to Become a Regional Data Center Hub
One of the central objectives of the strategy is to strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional and international destination for data centers.
The government has been developing plans to attract data-center investments by leveraging Egypt’s geographic location, telecommunications infrastructure and international connectivity.
President El-Sisi directed officials to expand cloud technologies and digital transformation while continuing to develop the structure of Egypt’s telecommunications market.
Earlier government discussions have also focused on developing a national strategy for data centers and cloud computing, including investment incentives, suitable project locations, energy availability and telecommunications infrastructure.
Egypt Targets $8 Billion in Digital Exports by 2028
During the meeting, Communications Minister Raafat Hindy reviewed Egypt’s plans to increase exports from the communications and information technology sector.
Egypt is targeting $8 billion in digital exports by 2028, while digital outsourcing exports are expected to reach $12 billion by 2029.
The government is also targeting an increase in the number of electronics-design companies operating in Egypt to 120 companies by 2030 as part of efforts to localize the electronics industry.
“Karnak” AI Program Moves Forward
Officials also reviewed progress on Karnak, Egypt’s national artificial intelligence program.
According to the presidency, the program is intended to support digital sovereignty and provide a foundation for developing generative AI applications in Arabic.
The meeting also covered cybersecurity, which officials described as a core element of Egypt’s digital transformation strategy and an important factor in building confidence in online government and commercial services.
Unified Government Services Card Expands
President El-Sisi also reviewed the expansion of Egypt’s Unified Government Services Card.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is coordinating with the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade to improve the system’s technical and operational capabilities and gradually increase the number of services available through the card.
President El-Sisi directed officials to continue monitoring the system’s implementation, including database integration and operational efficiency.
Egypt Pushes Ahead With Digital Transformation
The latest directives bring together several elements of Egypt’s wider digital strategy: faster 5G connectivity, increased use of AI, expanded cloud computing capacity, new data centers, cybersecurity and growth in digital exports.
The government says these measures are intended to improve digital services, attract technology investment and strengthen Egypt’s position within the regional and international digital economy.
