Egypt has signed a set of agreements aimed at advancing digital transformation and financial inclusion, including new support for civil society groups and freelance workers, the communications and social solidarity ministries announced on Monday. The deals include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and two cooperation protocols signed under the auspices of Communications Minister Amr Talaat and Social Solidarity Minister Maya Morsy. They establish the framework for a national initiative to modernise the digital infrastructure of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations affiliated with the Ministry of Social Solidarity. The initiative will enhance data management, improve administrative systems, and promote digital literacy among NGO employees and volunteers. It aims to help civil society organisations adopt and sustain digital operations as part of the government's broader digital transformation strategy. EGP200m support for freelancers The National Telecom Institute (NTI) and Nasser Social Bank signed a 200 million Egyptian pound agreement to finance freelance work among 3,000 young people, including graduates of digital skills training programmes supported by the Ministry of Communications. The programme offers subsidised loans for laptops worth up to 65,000 pounds, with beneficiaries free to choose device specifications and vendors. Loans come with favourable terms, including a two-year repayment period, a 1 per cent discount on the bank's standard interest rate, and a 50 per cent reduction in administrative fees. A portion of the funding will be dedicated to people with disabilities and orphans who meet the programme's criteria. Nasser Social Bank staff will also receive specialised training to support the bank's digital transformation efforts. The implementation of the MoU and related protocols will be led by NTI and the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), in cooperation with a consortium of local and international partners. Egypt Post deal targets rural inclusion In a parallel move, Egypt Post and the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund signed the cooperation protocol to improve access to financial services in underserved communities. The agreement aims to promote financial literacy, expand the reach of development finance tools, and enhance the delivery of services through Egypt Post's network of more than 4,500 branches. The partnership seeks to empower rural populations and vulnerable groups by improving the Fund's capacity to deliver targeted support, leveraging Egypt Post's broad digital and logistical capabilities. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
