Egypt’s ICT Ministry holds partnership talks with CIT to support startups and SMEs

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Raafat Hendy, has held talks with the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Information Technology and Telecommunication (CIT) to strengthen cooperation aimed at supporting startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the country’s growing digital economy.

The meeting, led by CIT Chairman Khaled Ibrahim and attended by CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Ahmed Elzaher, focused on enhancing support for CIT members through specialized training programmes, digital skills development initiatives, and measures to improve the competitiveness of Egypt’s digital industry.

Discussions also explored future plans for advancing the digital sector, attracting multinational companies to establish data centres in Egypt, and supporting startups through a series of upcoming conferences and industry events designed to foster innovation and expansion into local and international markets.

Speaking during the meeting, Hendy reaffirmed the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with CIT as a strategic partner in supporting startups and SMEs while enhancing Egypt’s digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

He noted that enabling Egyptian startups and SMEs to expand their digital exports remains a key priority for the ministry. According to him, investments in digital capacity building and skills development continue to play a central role in the growth of the country’s ICT sector.

Hendy added that the ministry intends to deepen its cooperation with CIT to increase participation in training initiatives and digital capacity-building programmes, helping equip young people with the skills required in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

The minister disclosed that the ministry plans to train approximately 800,000 people this year across various ICT disciplines. He also highlighted the expansion of specialized academy programmes delivered by the ministry’s training institutes in partnership with international technology companies to prepare skilled professionals for both local and global markets.

For his part, CIT Chairman Khaled Ibrahim expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration with the ministry in the coming years. He described the relationship between CIT and the ministry as a strategic partnership that continues to support the development of Egypt’s digital economy and reinforce the country’s position as a regional technology hub.

Ibrahim revealed that CIT currently has around 25,000 members, including about 4,000 ICT companies, while the remaining members operate in technology-related and digital transformation sectors.

He highlighted ongoing cooperation with ITIDA in supporting SMEs, stressing that assisting small businesses represents not only economic support but also an investment in the future of Egyptian innovation.

According to Ibrahim, joint initiatives have focused on helping smaller enterprises participate in international exhibitions, gain access to new markets, promote their products, and increase technology exports. Additional programmes have concentrated on digital skills development, training, employment opportunities, freelancing initiatives, and support for companies seeking international quality certifications such as CMMI and ISO standards.

He further noted that collaborative efforts between CIT and its partners have supported approximately 125 companies and facilitated the signing of 51 strategic partnerships at major international technology events, including GITEX Global and LEAP 2026.

Ibrahim also highlighted the launch of specialised programmes such as Export-IT and Digital Transformation for IT Companies (DX4IT), alongside the incubation of 15 startups and support for innovative industrial solutions through initiatives including Ebda, Manutech, and Egypt Makes Electronics.

The meeting was attended by Mahmoud Sofrata, Vice President of ITIDA for ICT Markets Development, as well as CIT Vice Chairmen Mohamed Elhadad and Seif Badawy, General Manager Ibrahim El Sherbini, Business Development Manager Rehab Lotfy, and other members of the chamber’s board and executive bureau.