30 Companies Sign memorandum of Understanding Under the Presidential Initiative “Digilians”

In line with the directives of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to build the digital capacities of youth and prepare qualified cadres in various fields of technology in accordance with the modern requirements of the labor market and the knowledge-based economy, Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher, Director of the Egyptian Military Academy, witnessed the signing ceremony of a number of memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and 30 global and local companies specialized in the field of communications and information technology.

Digital Pioneers

The agreements were signed within the framework of implementing the presidential initiative “Digilians,” which is a fully funded training grant implemented through cooperation between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Egyptian Military Academy.

The initiative aims to qualify and train youth from all governorates in ICT fields, in partnership with leading local and international technology companies, specialized firms in personal and language skills development, and international universities.

Academic Programs

The initiative offers a wide range of diverse academic programs from which trainees can choose upon registration, covering several technological specializations, including software development, artificial intelligence, data science, networks, technological infrastructure, cybersecurity, embedded systems, electronics, and digital arts.

The initiative includes an intensive diploma program (4 months), a specialized diploma program (9 months), a professional master’s program (12 months), and a Master of Science program (24 months).

The Companies

The memoranda of understanding were signed by Eng. Raafat Hindi, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology for Technological Infrastructure Development and Digital Transformation, along with representatives of 30 industry partner companies participating in the “Digital Pioneers” initiative.

These companies represent both local and international ICT sectors, including Dell, Fortinet, Google, Huawei Egypt, IBM Egypt, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Vodafone Egypt, AlAhly Momkn, Brightskies, Cloudflare, Etisal International, Fawry, Fingerprint Consultancy, Five DVR, Fixed Solutions, Geidea, Growaxis, Iconcept, IDS, Ihome Future, Innerwin, Interface Technology, International for Information Technology, Itechpro, Matloub for Human Resources Development, MTS, Order, To2B for Information Technology Systems, and VGN for Special Needs Programming.

Create a New Generation

In his speech, Dr. Amr Talaat conveyed a message from His Excellency the President of the Republic, stating that the objective of the “Digital Pioneers” presidential initiative is to create a new generation of highly skilled and deeply experienced technical professionals in the ICT sector, capable of making a meaningful and qualitative impact, and contributing to positioning Egypt in the place it rightfully deserves.

Dr. Talaat emphasized that this event reflects the state’s commitment through the “Digital Pioneers” initiative, which has been gaining increasing momentum since its launch. The initiative is based on a vision that seeks to keep pace with global developments and the rapid transformations witnessed internationally in the ICT sector, as well as the growing reliance on technology as a fundamental pillar of all development projects.

Global Demand

He added that the accelerating reliance on technology across all aspects of life has led to an increase in global demand for qualified human resources in ICT fields. He noted that the sector has become open to graduates from all academic backgrounds, provided they possess the knowledge, skills, and experience required to compete effectively in the labor market.

He also pointed out that the global labor market has become highly competitive and is no longer constrained by geographical boundaries.

Technical Skills

Dr. Talaat further explained that the “Digital Pioneers” initiative aims to prepare a new generation of ICT specialists equipped with an integrated skill set that goes beyond technical skills to include soft skills, language skills, and continuous self-learning abilities, particularly in light of rapid global technological developments.

This is in addition to refining trainees’ capabilities through hands-on experience and on-the-job training within companies, enabling them to understand real-world operational environments.

Cooperation

He also highlighted that cooperation with partner companies provides trainees with real opportunities for practical training within these organizations, offering an important chance to demonstrate their competencies and professional capabilities, and enhancing their prospects for employment.

Dr. Talaat concluded by expressing his appreciation to the leadership of the global and local companies that recognized the importance of this vision and showed enthusiasm in participating in the “Digital Pioneers” presidential initiative.

Necessary Resources

For his part, Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher, Director of the Egyptian Military Academy, welcomed attendees and affirmed the keenness of the General Command of the Armed Forces to provide all necessary resources to qualify and train youth, whether through the “Digital Pioneers” initiative or other programs implemented by the Egyptian Military Academy.

This comes as part of efforts to prepare civilian cadres in the state, in implementation of the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Empowering Youth

The memoranda of understanding aim to strengthen cooperation in implementing the “Digital Pioneers” initiative by empowering youth with advanced digital skills, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and supporting the digital transformation ecosystem, in line with Egypt’s Digital Strategy and contributing to the building of a competitive and sustainable digital economy.

Training Materials

The scope of cooperation under the memoranda includes providing training materials and exam vouchers in the latest technological fields, evaluating and reviewing graduation project ideas submitted by students, proposing project ideas aligned with labor market needs, supervising project implementation, providing technical guidance, and offering field training opportunities for initiative participants to enhance their technological skills.

Employment Opportunities

The cooperation also includes participation in job fairs organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, delivering a series of awareness seminars and specialized workshops across the initiative’s various fields, linking graduates of the initiative with companies’ business partner networks to access training and employment opportunities, and supporting the Ministry in organizing and sponsoring annual competitions.

This includes participation in hackathon preparation, judging, technical mentoring, and providing in-kind prizes to participating students to promote innovation and creative thinking.

Source: Press Release