Egypt's Digital Leap: Ministry Targets 40,000 Mobile Towers by 2028

Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted that citizens are at the heart of the ministry's digital strategy. The main focus is on developing digital infrastructure to power digital transformation and deliver streamlined, well-governed digital government services. The Minister explained that these development efforts are moving forward on two parallel tracks: fixed internet and mobile services. This involves a total investment of around $6 billion. So far, about 20,000 government buildings have been connected to fiber optic networks, and fiber optic cables have been extended to villages across Egypt as part of the "Hayah Karima" (Decent Life) initiative. Dr. Talaat also pointed out that fixed internet speeds have doubled over the past seven and a half years. This achievement has placed Egypt first in Africa for average fixed internet speed, showing just how successful the country has been in boosting its digital infrastructure quality. **Expanding Mobile Towers** To really boost digital services, the Minister unveiled a strategy to expand the mobile tower network to an impressive 40,000 towers by the end of 2028. The Ministry also signed the largest frequency deal ever in Egypt's telecom sector with the four mobile companies. This deal makes 410 MHz available, which is equal to all the frequencies released over the past thirty years combined! This huge step will significantly improve the quality and reach of digital services. **Technology in Industry and Transport** Dr. Talaat emphasized that using information technology in the transport and industrial sectors helps deliver safer and more efficient services. He noted that both sectors have made huge strides in development thanks to digital transformation. **Building Digital Capabilities** The Minister highlighted that young people are a national treasure, and the ministry is focusing on digital capacity-building programs for all ages. The goal is to develop a complete set of skills to keep up with technological advancements and the demands of the job market. Regarding international partnerships, he shined a light on Siemens' long-standing role in Egypt since 1854. The ministry looks forward to Siemens participating in WE schools by setting up training labs for students, supporting training for employment, and increasing the number of trainees for digital transformation projects. He added that Siemens expanded its center in Egypt last year, doubling its engineers to over 1,600, which clearly shows its growing operations in the country. **Job Market** When it comes to jobs, Dr. Talaat mentioned that agreements have been signed with 55 international companies to create over 75,000 job opportunities within three years. Meanwhile, Egypt's digital exports reached $7.4 billion, with a target to hit $9 billion in the near future. **Siemens and Its Role in Egypt** For his part, Dr. Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG, reaffirmed the company's commitment to its long-standing partnership with Egypt, built on trust and innovation. Siemens is dedicated to providing technological solutions to support Egyptian society and the industrial sector, boosting digital transformation, and building a sustainable future. **Siemens operates in Egypt through three specialized companies:** Siemens SI: Offers energy solutions and digital transformation for the industrial sector. Siemens Mobility: Provides smart mobility solutions, including the high-speed electric train project and railway modernization. Siemens Digital Industries Software: Focuses on electronic circuit design and digital transformation solutions, employing over 2,000 people, most of whom are Egyptian. The events were attended by several high-ranking Egyptian and German officials. This highlights the ongoing strategic partnerships in infrastructure, technology, and digital transformation, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in supporting Egypt's digital future.