Orange Group announced a new package of initiatives to support Egypt's digital economy, including training for 200,000 young people, a €25 million commitment for startups, and modern technology labs at universities. The announcement was made during a meeting between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Christel Heydemann, Chief Executive Officer of Orange. Attendees included Minister of Communications and Information Technology Rafaat Hendy, Orange Middle East and Africa Executive Director Yasser Shaker, and Orange Egypt CEO Hisham Mehran.
Skill Development at Scale
Presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy said the training initiative follows President El-Sisi's directives to expand digital capacity building programs for Egyptian youth. Orange is targeting approximately 200,000 trainees in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to earn internationally recognized professional certifications that align with global industry standards and strengthen their long-term employment prospects.
Startup Funding and University Labs
Orange has dedicated €25 million to support startups in Egypt, with a particular focus on companies working in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. This allocation is designed to help emerging ventures grow, scale their operations, and develop innovative technological solutions. In parallel, the group pledged to equip a number of Egyptian universities with modern technology labs so students can engage with practical applications and strengthen digital skills aligned with labor market needs.
Expanding Investment and Cooperation
The meeting reviewed opportunities to broaden cooperation and investment in the information and communications technology sector. President El-Sisi expressed Egypt's interest in increasing Orange's local investments and benefiting from available opportunities for growth and expansion. He praised the group's achievements in communications services, digital transformation, smart platforms, community development, and digital education.
Future Skills and Digital Health
President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of joint efforts to prepare young people for the future labor market through specialized programs in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. He also highlighted the value of helping trainees obtain internationally accredited professional certificates through cooperation with global technology companies. The discussions included possible collaboration on the second phase of the national digital health project, drawing on Orange's expertise in digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and systems integration.
Orange's Regional Outlook
Christel Heydemann said Orange's achievements in Egypt, delivered in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and state institutions, offer a model for other regional markets, especially in Africa. She commended government efforts to support startups across governorates and to advance youth skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs. She confirmed the group will continue supporting Egypt's technology and innovation ecosystem.
Strategic Context
The announcement comes as Egypt continues to prioritize digital transformation and youth employment in its national development agenda. Orange's new initiatives are expected to complement existing government programs by providing internationally recognized credentials and direct access to industry technology. This collaboration reflects a broader model of public-private partnership in the information and communications technology sector.
Orange's new commitments reinforce Egypt's digital transformation agenda by connecting workforce training, startup capital, university infrastructure, and potential healthtech collaboration. The package aligns with national priorities to strengthen digital skills and expand technology-enabled entrepreneurship. With €25 million in startup funding and training opportunities for 200,000 people, Orange is deepening its role as a strategic partner in Egypt's ICT sector.