Egypt showcases outsourcing, tech growth at Cairo ICT 2024

CAIRO, EGYPT — The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) took the spotlight at Cairo ICT 2024, showcasing Egypt’s rapid rise as a global outsourcing and tech startup hub.
During a tour of the Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s booth, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Communications Amr Talaat were briefed by ITIDA CEO Ahmed El Zaher on the country’s impressive digital growth.
El Zaher revealed that Egypt’s digital exports surged to $6.2 billion in 2023, reflecting a significant 26.5% increase from $4.9 billion in 2022. He emphasized ITIDA’s strategic focus on positioning Egypt as a global leader in outsourcing and technology innovation.
Outsourcing industry sees strong expansion in Egypt
El Zaher highlighted that Egypt’s outsourcing exports grew from $2.4 billion to $3.7 billion over the past year, driven by the country’s competitive advantages. These include a highly skilled, multilingual workforce and cost-effective services that make Egypt an attractive destination for global markets.
“Egypt offers one of the most competitive outsourcing environments globally,” said El Zaher, emphasizing ITIDA’s role in fostering innovation and job creation across various sectors.
ITIDA supports Egypt’s thriving tech startup ecosystem
At Cairo ICT 2024, ITIDA also showcased its extensive support for Egypt’s growing tech startup ecosystem. Through partnerships with global companies like 500 Global and Plug and Play, ITIDA provides comprehensive assistance to entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey — from idea validation to scaling businesses internationally.
The agency has also streamlined regulatory procedures and created networking opportunities with investors to encourage business growth, further solidifying Egypt’s position as a prime destination for tech startups.
Key initiatives highlighted at Cairo ICT 2024
Throughout the four-day event, ITIDA is presenting several key initiatives aimed at boosting Egypt’s tech sector:
- Day 1: The Software Engineering Competence Center (SECC) showcased advancements in generative AI and software engineering.
- Day 2: Focused on strategic programs like the Export IT initiative and Egypt Makes Electronics (EME) program, which aims to enhance electronics manufacturing and reduce imports.
- Day 3: ITIDA will emphasize efforts to expand digital signature services to improve operational efficiency for businesses and government agencies.
- Day 4: The spotlight will be on ITIDA’s support for startups through initiatives like the Start IT incubator program and projects from the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC).
Through these initiatives, ITIDA continues to strengthen Egypt’s standing as a dynamic hub for business services, digital innovation, and global tech investments.