7 - Targeted Strategic Initiatives The targeted initiatives of the National ICT Strategy for 2012-2017 aim to enhance Egypt’s global position in the field of ICT globally and to increase the contribution of the sector to the GDP. There is a general agreement among the ICT community that the targeted initiatives identified below have a priority in implementation and address specific challenges and needs that are high on the national agenda. The initiatives will also play an important role in empowering the Egyptian society and in contributing to the sustainable development goals by offering higher quality series at lower cost to the Egyptian citizen. The targeted strategic initiatives include: Digital Identity Management Initiative Arabic Digital Content Initiative Educational Reform Initiative using ICTs, Cloud Computing and the Tablet Computer Back to Africa Initiative ICT for Empowering People with Disabilities Initiative (PWDs) Green ICT Initiative In addition, the Broadband Initiative was launched in September 2011 and is considered a key milestone in the ICT sector plan. The initiative aims at promoting the high-speed Internet industry in Egypt with its three elements: networks, services and users, establishing the leading position of Egypt in the region in this field in light of the changes experienced by the country and the massive demand on 58 59 the internet speed and the quality of services provided, in addition to the increased desire of users for accessing the visual content, news and multimedia services. The national plan of the Broadband Initiative (eMisr) was launched and comprises two phases: The objectives of the initiative are summarized as follows: Egypt to reach a leading position in the digital communication field Stimulating economic growth nationwide and enhancing social cohesion Increasing job opportunities Coordinating with other Egyptian government sectors and improving the standard of living and the quality of life for all citizens Bridging the digital gap in Egypt These objectives were identified for their relevance to the current priorities of Egypt and the major world economies. Egypt’s previous national ICT strategies supported the establishment of solid telecommunications infrastructure, development of a vibrant ICT sector, growth in access to and use of ICTs, empowerment and capacity building. Looking forward, the current strategy, while building on and developing these efforts, also aims to unlock the latent potential of ICTs to promote and support advancement not only for the sector, but for the wider economy and society as a whole.