What is the project about?

MERC-ICT is an eight-year partnership between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and UNDP Egypt, launched in 2020 to support Egypt’s transition toward a Digital Egypt.

The project maximizes Egypt’s resources and capabilities through information and communication technology (ICT), in line with Egypt Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It strengthens innovation, expands ICT infrastructure, enhances human capacities, digitizes government services, supports the digital economy, and promotes entrepreneurship and technological investment.

MERC-ICT also contributes to the Haya Karima national initiative by extending digital services, infrastructure, and training to underserved and remote communities.

Situational Background 

Egypt’s ICT sector is one of the fastest-growing in the region, yet challenges persist in ensuring:

• Equitable access to digital services, especially in rural and remote areas.
• Modernized nationwide ICT infrastructure.
• Scaled digitalization and automation of public services.
• A skilled workforce that meets global labor market needs.
• Increased innovation, investment, and competitiveness within the ICT industry.

Egypt’s Vision 2030 identifies ICT as a key driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development. To meet national ambitions, coordinated investment is needed in infrastructure, human capital, innovation ecosystems, and digital public services. MERC-ICT was launched to directly address these needs and accelerate the country’s digital transformation.

How are we doing this?

The project is implemented by MCIT in collaboration with its affiliates, UNDP, national stakeholders, and international partners. Core activities include:

• Building secure, reliable, and accessible ICT infrastructure to support the transition to a digital society.
• Providing youth and graduate training programs to develop digital skills and match labor market demands.
• Digitizing and automating government services to improve quality, efficiency, and transparency.
• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship by creating an enabling environment for technological investment.
• Expanding international partnerships to attract investment and strengthen Egypt’s presence in global markets.
• Supporting Haya Karima by enhancing ICT infrastructure in villages and extending digital services and training to underserved communities.

How will Egypt benefit? 

The project aims to achieve the following outputs:

1. Enhanced environment for innovation and ICT investment through strengthened digital infrastructure, secure systems, and support for MCIT’s national strategy.
2. Improved human development and digital skills, enabling citizens—especially youth—to participate in the digital economy and supporting the “building the Egyptian citizen” vision.
3. Accelerated transformation to a digital society through expanded digital public services, improved service quality, and stronger financial inclusion.
4. Increased ICT sector investment and global market integration through strategic alliances, technological partnerships, and expanded access to regional and international markets.
5. Support to Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2030, advancing economic, social, and environmental goals through ICT-enabled solutions.
6. Implementation of the Hayah Karima digital development pillar, providing ICT infrastructure, digital services, and training in remote and underserved villages.