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Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Cisco Systems during a meeting with company Chairman and CEO Chuck Robbins and Minister Raafat Hendy. The ministry reported that the agreement focuses on deploying AI solutions to improve operational efficiency, support data-driven decision making and strengthen cybersecurity frameworks in government and priority sectors. It further seeks to identify pathways for innovation, economic diversification and productivity gains while reinforcing national AI capabilities through skills development and institutional capacity building.
A parallel memorandum of understanding between the National Telecommunication Institute and Cisco will certify 3,000 trainers over three years at a rate of 1,000 participants annually. According to the ministry’s announcement, the program will cover specialized fields that include data networking, cybersecurity, operating systems and artificial intelligence applications. The initiative extends Cisco’s established presence in Egypt, where company figures show it has already trained nearly 670,000 students through its networking academy and related programs.
Robbins emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership in remarks tied to the announcement. “AI is reshaping the world’s economies, and nations taking deliberate steps with clear vision today will lead tomorrow,” he said. Hendy told officials that the collaboration would leverage Cisco’s global expertise to expand AI applications, improve public services, foster innovation and develop a skilled pool of specialists in the technology.
The letter of intent directly supports Egypt’s National AI Strategy, which the government has identified as essential for digital transformation across state institutions. A ministry assessment found that integrating advanced technologies will streamline service delivery and contribute to sustainable economic growth targets. Discussions also addressed the potential creation of innovation centers and measures to mitigate cybersecurity risks linked to expanded AI deployment.
Cisco maintains a decades-long relationship with Egyptian entities that has encompassed infrastructure projects, educational outreach and technology transfer activities. The company said in a statement that it plans to increase local investments and broaden its innovation support in the coming period. Such steps are expected to generate productivity improvements in sectors ranging from public administration to key industrial areas.
Additional talks during the meeting explored expanded cooperation in cybersecurity, talent development and support for young professionals entering the digital economy. The ministry stated that these conversations reflect shared goals of aligning training programs with labor market needs and preparing the workforce for emerging technological demands. This multifaceted engagement aims to help establish Egypt as a competitive player in AI-driven digital solutions within the region.
