Information and communications technology (ICT) has become a determinant feature of the world we live in, representing the backbone of societies around the globe including, of course, Egypt. Since its establishment in 1999, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has worked steadfastly to unleash the potential of this sector. As a result, Egypt today has a state-of-the-art communication system, including three mobile phone companies servicing a subscriber base that has seen exponential growth.

The rise of the Egyptian ICT sector has had positive repercussions for the economy as a whole. Egyptian telecommunication companies are now offering their value-added services abroad while, on the grass root level, “Access for All” programs such as IT Clubs and PCs for Everyone have created a generation that cannot imagine life without the Internet. Developing e-content and promoting further innovation are the only way to respond to this generation’s seemingly insatiable appetite for new products and information.

Continuous efforts from MCIT and other players in the local ICT community, driven by a public more aware of the benefits and opportunities of ICT both in daily life and for society as a whole will ensure that Egypt succeeds in bridging the digital divide.

MCIT’s policy is based primarily on the government’s Information Society initiative, which aims at spreading ICT tools nationwide and building the foundations of an export-oriented ICT community. To achieve this, MCIT has been acting as a catalyst, working to create the most suitable environment for healthy development of the industry by promoting competition, encouraging multinational investment, and partnering with the private sector and civil society.

Investing in human capital is a part and parcel of MCIT’s recipe for success. The ministry has undertaken to educate and train Egyptians, thereby ensuring that the market’s growing need for ICT talent will be met. Egypt’s human resources have always been one of its greatest assets, and it stands as testament to the achievements of MCIT that Egyptian engineers and technicians are already being called upon to develop the infrastructure of neighboring countries.

One new direction that has become a priority is that of convergence as MCIT aims to promote more efficient use of communications networks in cooperation with the media sector. There is, however, much that remains to be done, not only continuing what has been started but pushing ahead with new initiatives to further expand and strengthen the sector.