Participants in the session “Digital Egypt: New Horizons for Infrastructure, Innovation, and Investment Opportunities” confirmed that Egypt has strong capabilities that qualify it to strengthen its position as a regional hub for technology, digital services, and smart infrastructure, benefiting from economic reforms, the development of digital infrastructure, growing human capabilities, and increasing interest from international investors in opportunities available in technology, telecommunications, data centers, energy, and modern infrastructure sectors, Invest-gate reports.

Conference

The session was held as part of the second day of the “Egypt Forward: Investment Opportunities and Sustainable Economic Reform” conference, organized by the British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) in London from 3 to 5 June 2026, with the participation of leading investors, decision-makers, and government officials from Egypt and the United Kingdom. The session discussed the future of the digital economy in Egypt and the role of technology and innovation in supporting economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and attracting investments.

Ministry of Investment Vision for Digital Transformation

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Farid, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, confirmed that Egypt is working to strengthen its position as a regional hub for artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and digital services, within an integrated strategy aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy and attracting more foreign investments, while expanding economic development to include different governorates and investment zones.

He explained that digital transformation has become one of the main drivers of economic growth in the coming period, stressing that artificial intelligence is no longer just a future trend, but a reality affecting all economic sectors, which requires providing a supportive environment to benefit from these changes and maximize their economic returns.

Growth of the ICT Sector

He pointed out that the telecommunications and information technology sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Egyptian economy, achieving double digit growth rates for seven to eight consecutive years, while its contribution to GDP doubled during the past decade to reach around 6%, reflecting the sector’s significant potential.

Data Centers and Artificial Intelligence

He added that Egypt’s geographical location gives it an important competitive advantage in data centers and AI-related infrastructure, noting that a large percentage of global submarine communication cables pass through Egyptian territory, which strengthens the country’s opportunities to become a regional hub for digital services and data. He also revealed plans to launch the “TradeTech Sandbox” platform to develop AI based solutions to support exporters, improve supply chains, and enhance access to foreign markets.

HSBC’s Vision for Egypt’s Future

In the same context, Todd Wilcox, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC, confirmed that Egypt has strong capabilities that qualify it to become a regional and global hub for services, knowledge, and technology, noting that recent economic reforms have strengthened the attractiveness of the Egyptian market and increased international investors’ confidence in its long-term opportunities.

Cairo Global Service Center Experience

He explained that the bank’s experience in Egypt reflects the development witnessed by the specialized services sector, as HSBC’s global service center in Cairo has grown from a small team 16 years ago into a center with more than 2,700 employees providing services to the bank’s operations in 35 countries worldwide, stressing that the Cairo center has become one of the best-performing service centers within the group globally.

Technology and AI Opportunities

He pointed out that rapid developments in technology and artificial intelligence will lead to increased demand for high value added jobs and activities, especially in data analysis, compliance, and specialized knowledge services, stressing that Egypt has a great opportunity to benefit from these changes.

He added that maintaining competitiveness requires continued improvement of the business environment, accelerating reforms, and turning them into practical results felt by investors and companies, stressing the important role of the private sector in supporting innovation and sustaining economic growth.

Vodafone Egypt Investments

Mohamed Abdallah, CEO of Vodafone Egypt and CEO of International Markets at Vodacom, confirmed that the company’s capital investments in Egypt increased by around 40% year on year, reflecting growing investor confidence in the Egyptian market, the stability of the regulatory environment, and the clarity of government policies.

He explained that investors in digital infrastructure projects need a long-term vision and stable policies, noting that the increase in investment commitments reflects growing confidence in Egypt’s position as a regional hub for technology and digital services linking Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Drivers of Digital Sector Growth

He pointed out that the growth of Egypt’s digital sector is based on three main elements: a supportive regulatory environment, qualified human talents, and services focused on customer needs. He explained that more than 10,000 engineers in Egypt currently support Vodafone’s global operations in software and digital services.

He added that Egypt has reached an important stage in its digital journey, supported by growing investor confidence and increasing momentum in large scale infrastructure and technology projects, stressing that continued cooperation between the government and the private sector is a key factor in maintaining growth momentum and supporting long-term investments.

Sidara’s Investments in Egypt

In a related context, Daniel Horner, Managing Director of Dar Sidara in the United Kingdom, confirmed that the company has participated in implementing several major projects in Egypt, benefiting from the development witnessed in the infrastructure and urban development sectors in recent years.

He pointed to the company’s extensive experience in strategic projects in Egypt, including the New Administrative Capital and the Suez Canal area, explaining that the group applies the latest digital solutions and data management systems in its projects, helping improve operational efficiency and enhance sustainability.

Sidara’s Commitment to Expanding in Egypt

For his part, Hazem Gohar, Director of Water and Environment at Dar Sidara, confirmed that Egypt remains a key market within the group’s global strategy, noting that the company has been operating in the Egyptian market for more than five decades and has contributed to implementing several major national projects.

He explained that the infrastructure and urban development projects taking place in Egypt reflect the scale of opportunities available to investors and global companies, pointing to the group’s continued commitment to expanding its operations and participating in more development projects during the coming period.

Session Conclusion

The session concluded by emphasizing that digital transformation, the development of technological infrastructure, and the promotion of innovation represent key pillars in Egypt’s economic growth strategy. There was consensus among government officials, business leaders, and investors on the importance of continuing reforms, strengthening public private partnerships, and benefiting from Egypt’s competitive advantages to reinforce its position as a regional hub for investment, technology, and digital services.