December 17, 2018
7% of companies in Egypt rely on the digital economy. Atef Helmy, former Minister of Communications and Information Technology, expects the digital economy’s contribution to Egypt’s GDP to rise from 4% currently to 8% in the coming years.
On the sidelines of the first edition of the Arab Digital Economy Conference, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he explained that the percentage of companies relying on the digital economy in Egypt is estimated at 7%, compared to 18% and 15% in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, respectively.
Helmy emphasized the state’s efforts to move towards implementing the digital economy, noting that the establishment of the Supreme Council for Digital Society and the Supreme Council for Payments, headed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, reflects this trend.
He highlighted Egypt’s pioneering role in implementing the transition to a digital economy in Africa, particularly as Egypt assumes the presidency of the African Union next year, noting that Egypt will prioritize this issue in supporting the continent’s efforts.
