ICT Strategy4Development

Abstract

In 2011, Egypt’s uprising was realized due to a large number of reasons, including the capitalization on information and communication technology (ICT) as an enabling platform. The experience in Egypt demonstrated the impact of ICT. However, its effect on societal transformation is not yet completed. A need exists to revisit the newly emerging role that ICT can play in the 21st century that goes beyond socioeconomic development and growth. ICT strategy development and implementation must cater to the different needs of the community while realizing universal access in terms of ICT literacy and its effective utilization for developmental purposes. Building the ICT infrastructure and infostructure in the development process must be coupled with concrete projects and initiatives that engage the society at large with its multiple stakeholders from public, private, government, and civil society organizations irrespective of their locations or background. This article describes the evolution of the ICT sector in Egypt with an emphasis on national ICT strategy development and deployment as an integral element of Egypt’s overall development process within the context of a an emerging economy and the various growing potentials ICT offers for its socioeconomic development.