Elzaher made his statement during his tour with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s booth at Cairo ICT 2024.

Cairo ICT 2024, running from 17 November to 20 November, is the 28th edition of Cairo ICT.

The event showcases key advancements in 5G technology, AI-powered solutions, blockchain innovations, and satellite communication.

ITIDA highlighted Egypt’s thriving outsourcing sector and growing tech startup ecosystem.

Elzaher noted that Egypt’s digital exports increased from $4.9 billion in 2022 to $6.2 billion in 2023, representing a significant 26.5 percent growth.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s outsourcing sector exports rose to $3.7 billion in 2023, up from $2.4 billion in 2022.

Elzaher attributed this growth in outsourcing to Egypt’s unique value proposition, which includes a highly skilled, multilingual, and cost-effective workforce capable of serving global markets across a wide range of tech disciplines.

He highlighted that Egypt is now one of the most competitive outsourcing destinations globally.

In related news, Egypt is aiming to increase its outsourcing sector exports to $9 billion by 2026, according to a report published by the Information and Decision Support Centre (IDSC). 

"Our commitment is to create an ecosystem that not only attracts investment but also fosters innovation and job creation," Elzaher stated.

On Sunday, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat stated that the outsourcing industry has become a fundamental and key component of the communications and IT sector, witnessing growing investments in Egypt.

Talaat noted that over 175 companies have established more than 195 outsourcing centers in Egypt, employing over 145,000 specialists who export digital services worth more than $3.7 billion annually, according to a separate statement by the ministry.

The minister highlighted the diverse specializations of outsourcing centers in Egypt, which include contact services, programming services, semiconductor and embedded software services, and other high-value specializations.

 ITIDA’s support for startups and entrepreneurs
 

Elzaher also emphasized ITIDA’s comprehensive support for startups and entrepreneurs in Egypt.

The agency’s initiatives span every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from engaging students and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset to validating ideas, developing products, and scaling businesses. ITIDA has partnered with global companies to support entrepreneurs, such as 500 Global and Plug and Play.

Furthermore, ITIDA offers networking opportunities with investors, assistance at international forums, and streamlined regulatory processes to facilitate business creation and expansion. These efforts are vital in strengthening Egypt's global reputation as a startup hub.

ITIDA highlights at Cairo ICT 2024
 

On the exhibition’s first day, the Software Engineering Competence Centre (SECC) showcased the latest developments in generative AI and software engineering, underscoring Egypt's preparedness for advancements in AI technology.

On the second day, ITIDA spotlighted key strategic initiatives for ICT growth, such as the "Export IT" programme, the ITAC initiative aimed at promoting industry-academia collaboration, and the presidential initiative "Egypt Makes Electronics" (EME).

The EME programme aims to develop Egypt’s electronics sector as a key driver of economic growth.

Today, 19 November, ITIDA focused on expanding digital signature services, aiming to enhance business operational efficiency while improving the quality of digital services for citizens and government transactions.

On the exhibition’s finale, ITIDA will emphasize its commitment to supporting startups and entrepreneurs, showcasing the Start IT incubator programme and significant initiatives from the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (TIEC).

These efforts reflect Egypt’s broader strategy to establish itself as a leader in outsourcing, technology innovation, and digital transformation.