The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has signed a cooperation protocol with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to facilitate the provision of government services digitally. The cooperation protocol was signed by Tarek Amer, Governor of the CBE, and Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The cooperation protocol aims to activate the use of the unified payment card "Meeza" for digital government services and the mobile wallet on the Digital Egypt platform. It will also see the launch the "Meeza" card in Ismailia governorate as a pilot project, after which the launch will take place across Egypt. The CBE stressed the importance of developing government payments, because of its positive impact on citizens in obtaining government services in an easy and effective manner. This comes in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 in providing government services in a digital form, as part of the government's plan to create a digital society. The government services card will be issued with a smart chip, and using the latest international technologies to ensure the security of all transactions. It also contains contactless technology, which can greatly help in processing queues at service delivery outlets. The unified citizen card will also be accepted in the payment of all governmental and non-governmental payments. This contributes to achieving financial inclusion and the transition to a society less dependent on banknotes. Talaat noted that the cooperation between his ministry and the CBE affirms the integration between state agencies and institutions. This works towards achieving stable steps in the state's strategy to enhance financial inclusion and build a digital Egypt. He pointed out that the unified card service for digital government services comes within the framework of the government's keenness to build a digital economy and facilitate citizens in obtaining government services. The unified card for government services enables citizens to obtain health insurance services and distinguished subsidies services. This takes place using secure digital mechanisms and the provision of payment services through one smart card. Ismailia will start to provide health insurance and subsidies services for citizens. This is in addition to allowing the completion of financial transactions through the digital government services card, in preparation for its application to the rest of the governorates.
