DCO Chief Discusses Digital Economy Growth With Egypt And Arab League Leaders

The Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Deemah AlYahya, recently visited Cairo for discussions with key figures in Egypt's digital sector. AlYahya met with Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League. These meetings focused on enhancing cooperation to advance Egypt's digital transformation strategy.

During her meeting with Dr. Talaat, AlYahya underscored the alignment between Egypt's economic strengths and the DCO's objectives. She highlighted the potential for growth and prosperity in the digital economy through collaborative efforts. AlYahya praised the 'Digital Egypt Pioneers Initiative', which aims to develop digital skills, foster innovation, and support young talents and entrepreneurs.

AlYahya expressed the DCO's commitment to working with Egypt to achieve its ICT infrastructure goals and strengthen innovation ecosystems through public-private partnerships. She noted that Egypt's digital inclusion and infrastructure development programs align with the DCO's strategic priorities.

AlYahya commended the Egyptian government's efforts to bolster the digital economy by investing in digital infrastructure, developing e-government services, and supporting digital entrepreneurship. She highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing digital inclusion and empowering women and youth in the digital economy.

According to reports, digital investments in Egypt are projected to reach $9.8 billion by 2028, while digital payments are expected to hit $30.8 billion by the same year. AlYahya affirmed that the DCO is ready to collaborate with Egypt on its journey towards digital transformation and achieving sustainable development goals.

Engagement with the Arab League

In her meeting with Aboul Gheit, AlYahya discussed ways to harness the potential of the digital economy in Arab countries. She emphasized the importance of accelerating multilateral cooperation to enhance youth digital skills and foster collaboration between countries in promoting the digital economy.

AlYahya stated, "The Arab League plays a crucial role in the Arab world as the oldest regional intergovernmental organization. It was my pleasure to meet with Aboul Gheit to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the DCO and the Arab League."

The DCO is already cooperating with the Arab League as an observer in activities related to information and communications technology within the Economic and Social Council. AlYahya expressed optimism about strengthening this cooperation, noting that a fully developed digital economy system in the Middle East and North Africa region could potentially add approximately $1.6 trillion to GDP over the next thirty years.

The meetings underscore a shared commitment to advancing digital transformation and fostering economic growth through strategic partnerships and multilateral cooperation.

With inputs from SPA