Egypt's Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Telecom Egypt, and the world leading cell phone technology manufacturer Nokia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand Nokia's presence in Egypt and enhance its capabilities in innovation and export services. The signing ceremony was attended by Egypt's CIT Minister Dr. Amr Talaat. At the heart of this collaboration lies the establishment of an IP Excellence Centre in Egypt, strategically positioning the country as a hub for IT services. Initially catering to approximately 60 countries in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, the Centre has ambitious plans to expand its reach to Europe and beyond. This expansion is expected to boost Egypt's ICT services exports significantly. Led by top Egyptian engineering talent, the centre will focus on automating IP networks, advancing artificial intelligence (AI), and software development for Nokia's SR Linux network operating system. This initiative aims to strengthen Egypt's position in the global technology landscape. "Nokia's growing footprint in Egypt, especially in export-driven areas, is a clear signal. Our ICT sector is a magnet for global investment. This underscores the attractiveness of our ICT sector for global investments. With its skilled workforce and proven track record, Egypt is becoming a go-to destination for companies like Nokia seeking to expand their global delivery operations. "This strategic public-private partnership will enhance innovation, skill development, and research in network automation, solidifying Egypt's position as a global hub for IT services. It will also contribute to the growth of Egypt's digital exports, which reached $6.2 billion in 2023," commented CIT Minister Dr. Amr Talaat. Aligned with Egypt's Digital Egypt Offshoring Strategy, the collaboration aims to increase digital exports and create job opportunities for Egyptian youth, said Ahmed ELZaher, CEO of ITIDA, underscoring the strategic significance of this partnership in advancing Egypt's digital ecosystem and offshoring exports. Meanwhile, Vach Kompella, Nokia's Senior Vice President and General Manager of IP Networks, emphasised that the establishment of the IP Excellence Centre underscores their unwavering trust in the talent and expertise of Egyptian engineers. According to Mr. Kompella, this milestone represents a significant moment in Nokia's three-decade association with Egypt and will play a pivotal role in advancing the country's digital infrastructure. The centre's mission is to harness the skills of local talent, enabling them to address the evolving needs of enterprises in the Middle East (ME) region. Moreover, it provides a unique opportunity for selected engineers to receive training in the latest IP technologies and join Nokia's esteemed global team. This initiative not only strengthens Egypt's position in the technology landscape but also fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange on a global scale.
