The president's remarks came during his inauguration of the country's first national data hub on Sunday. 

All ministry data will be stored in the new hub, which is secured against cyber-attacks and unauthorized access.

Located on the Ain Sokhna highway, the centre covers an area of 23,500 square metres, with 10,000 square metres allocated for current constructions and the remainder for future expansions. 

The centre will promote the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the government sector by providing AI and data analysis applications for decision-making at all levels. It will also serve as a centralized national data and disaster recovery centre.

Moreover, it will also ensure self-management, operational efficiency, and privacy for projects like smart ports that will facilitate imports and exports.

"It was necessary to prepare comprehensive infrastructure. Therefore, we find that the amount of money spent on today's inaugurations is significant; we're not talking about billions of pounds but dollars," El-Sisi said.

The president continued: "Many may wonder why all this money is being spent and what is the benefit? We are preparing the country for a real takeoff in a rapidly advancing world in all fields."

El-Sisi noted the government can now collaborate, exchange information, and make decisions through computer screens, thereby enhancing accuracy and work efficiency. The new hub is capable of providing precise and timely data to government agencies, he noted.

El-Sisi pointed out that the state has spent billions of dollars to prepare an integrated infrastructure and to preserve the country’s role as a major data transfer point in the world.

El-Sisi noted that much of the world’s submarine cables pass through Egypt, making the country a major hub for data transfer and communications.

"In the past, Egypt used to store its data abroad at significant costs, but now the government has been able to localize its data within its borders."

El-Sisi indicated that Egypt began its journey to become a data leader in 2018, concurrently with the construction of the administrative capital. He pointed out that in the past, each ministry had its own data server without ensuring its security or its ability to interact with other ministries.

In the meantime, he stated that the new centre will link all government entities together.

The new hub aligns with the country's plan to transition the government to a paperless system in parallel with its relocation to the New Administrative Capital.

Earlier in 2023, El-Sisi said: "I would not be exaggerating to say that, for the comprehensive modernization of the government district, providing highly advanced capabilities for the Egyptian state—whether through the establishment of data centres, the part hosting at least 50,000 state employees, secure networks, or other facilities—the cost has reached approximately EGP 100 billion."

The president noted at the time that this is part of the overall expense incurred in transforming the Egyptian state towards digital performance and artificial intelligence.

Egypt is paying special attention to its digital transformation, as it aims to digitize all government services nationwide in line with its 2030 Vision.

Outsourcing, coding jobs
 

El-Sisi urged families of high school students to focus on the field of communications and information technology, instead of other theoretical majors.

He spotlighted the potential earning opportunities in high-demand technological fields such as outsourcing and coding, noting that one million individuals are required annually.

El-Sisi pointed out that countries with smaller populations have approximately 750,000 individuals, bringing in around $70 billion to their respective economies.