CAIRO, Feb 5 (MENA) - The government has submitted a new youth empowerment initiative dubbed “Digital Entrepreneurs,” to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, who directed the Tahya Misr Fund to bear the implementation cost of the initiative, which amounts to EGP 3 billion per annum, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said.

Sisi also instructed the government to work on qualifying more young people in this critical sector, the premier added during a news briefing at the Cabinet premises in the New Administrative Capital on Wednesday.

The new initiative aims to qualify 12,000 Egyptian youth annually, Madbouli said, noting that initiative offers a variety of intensive training programs for persons aged between 15 to 32 year.

These programs include a 4-9 month specialized diploma course, and a two-year professional or scientific master's degree, the prime minister added.

The initiative is designed to qualify youth for these specialized courses that cover the fields of ICT and artificial intelligence, Madbouli pointed out, noting that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology will share the initiative's implementation cost with Tahya Misr Fund.

Madbouli said the initiative will offer targeted individuals fully-funded scholarships that include accommodation costs.

He explained that the initiative program combines theoretical and academic studies with practical application of the lessons learned in coordination with relevant companies operating in Egypt.

By the end of these courses and programs, there will be an opportunity to join these companies, Madbouli said, noting that these programs, especially the master's degree (professional / scientific) will be taken in partnership with some international universities.

Madbouli said President Sisi directed that the initiative program starts by the end of the second quarter of 2025 to groom Egyptian youth for such a very promising market.

Madbouli said Egypt’s agricultural exports reached $10.6 billion in 2024, marking a 17% increase.

He added that the government aims for 15-20% annual export growth, with expectations of a trade surplus before 2030.

Madbouli noted that Egypt’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the non-oil private sector hit 50.7 in January, the highest level in four years, signaling improved business confidence and a positive economic outlook.

On regional developments, he confirmed Egypt’s continued efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, with nine aid convoys dispatched so far in collaboration with the National Alliance for Civil and Developmental Work and the Tahya Misr Fund. Egyptian hospitals are providing medical treatment to injured Palestinians, with the government committed to continuing support.

During his visit to Iraq, Madbouli reaffirmed Egypt and Iraq’s joint stance on Palestine, supporting a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital.

He also highlighted Iraq’s appreciation of Egyptian construction firms for their efficiency in rebuilding projects, leading to new direct project contracts. Talks included potential oil sector cooperation, with an Egyptian delegation set to visit Iraq soon.

Additionally, the Premier addressed Egypt’s demographic shift, revealing that the country’s birthrate fell below two million annually for the first time since 2007, attributing the decline to increased public awareness and government initiatives to manage population growth.

He called this a significant step toward sustainable economic growth, driven by increased public awareness and government efforts to manage population growth.

Madbouli said the government is currently working on developing a new social protection package to increase salaries and pensions, adding that the new package will be in place as of the start of the next fiscal year.

The package will be examined and finalized then it will be submitted to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Madbouli stressed that the government is preparing for the holy fasting month of Ramadan to secure citizens' needs, noting that this file is being followed up around the clock to ensure price stability.

As of February, "Welcome Ramadan" exhibitions were held across the nation as part of Ramadan preparations, the premier added.

He said efforts will be intensified with civil society organizations over the next three months to reach as many low-income families as possible and improve their living standards. (MENA)

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