What After the “Global Outsourcing Summit”?
The recent hosting of the Outsourcing Summit in Egypt emerged as a significant event, reflecting the growing interest in developing this vital industry and confirming Egypt’s human and digital capabilities that qualify it to play a larger role in the global services market.
This event is merely the start of a longer journey that requires consecutive strategic steps to ensure a real and sustainable impact on the outsourcing sector.
Global markets have become more competitive than ever, and the countries that have managed to establish their presence in this field have relied on integrated ecosystems that combine skills development, innovation incentives, and the attraction of international investments, alongside providing an operational environment that helps companies expand and grow.
The “Ta3heed” newsletter spoke with experts about the post-summit period for strengthening Egypt’s position and turning it into a pivotal center for the digital services industry.
Mahfouz: The Summit is a Good Opportunity, but It Should Not Be the Only Focus
Eng. Amr Mahfouz, CEO of Delta for Electronic Systems and former CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), stated that the Outsourcing Summit recently hosted by Egypt should not be the sole focus for enhancing Egypt’s position in this industry.
He stressed that developing the outsourcing sector requires diversifying the tools and mechanisms used to attract foreign companies, while focusing on raising the added value of the services offered.
This is essential to ensure the Egyptian market’s ability to compete amid rapid global developments in this field.
Mahfouz added that the future of the outsourcing industry is no longer limited to exporting human competencies only; it extends to include the export of complete software and technical products, considering this the optimal way to achieve greater growth and expand the volume of technology exports.
He explained that Egypt has a great capacity to move in this direction but needs to accelerate the building of integrated software systems that can be relied upon in global markets, which contributes to increasing export rates and strengthening the country’s position as a regional hub for technology services.
Mahfouz emphasized the importance of investing in the human element and developing the digital skills of youth, as this is the primary pillar for developing both the software and outsourcing industries.
He pointed out that achieving sustainable progress in this sector requires a comprehensive vision that combines attracting foreign investments and developing local capabilities, ensuring the maximization of available potential and supporting Egypt’s competitiveness in global technology markets.
Mokbel: Global Forums Must Be Repeated; Facilitations and Privileges for Global Companies are Complementary Factors
Mohamed Mokbel, General Manager of TalkTalk Outsourcing Services, said that events and conferences should be organized periodically, bringing together all those working in this industry from local and global companies, similar to the Techni Summit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs.
This provides a promising opportunity for foreign entities to explore investment prospects in the Egyptian market and forge partnerships with their Egyptian counterparts.
Mokbel proposed organizing workshops on the sidelines of such international forums between local and global companies under the supervision and sponsorship of ITIDA.
He urged the Egyptian government to follow India’s lead in exempting digital exports, including outsourcing services, from taxes.
He stressed the importance of relevant authorities moving towards reducing operating costs for sector companies while offering advantages and facilitations to transform Egypt into a pivotal global center for the digital services industry, especially since it possesses the competitive elements that qualify it for this role.
