Strategy Drafting Methodology The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was established in 1999 to develop the national ICT sector. Highlights of MCIT’s journey so far include the release of the National Communications Plan in 2000, the Strategy for Building the Information Society in 2003, the IT Industry National Development Strategy in 2006, and the National Strategy for Communications and Information Technology in 2007. The National ICT Strategy for 2012-2017 is another important stage of this process. Yet it is also significant as its release comes at the beginning of a new era for Egypt. As such, the strategy was formulated for implementation in an atmosphere of political and economic change, to support the country’s transition while contributing to the development of the communications sector both regionally and internationally. As with previous strategies, it focuses on integrating ICTs across all sectors to serve the national development priorities, which include preserving natural resources and the environment. Primary Considerations In the formulation of this strategy, the primary considerations were the political and economic changes taking place in Egypt, the development of the communications sector both regionally and internationally, and Egypt’s national development priorities, in addition to the achievements and challenges of the sector over the last decade. Work Methodology The methodology followed in the drafting of the strategy relied on participation and dialogue between MCIT and affiliated entities, in addition to community dialogue with government entities, the private sector and civil society organizations. Work began following the formation of a specialized committee by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology mandated to draft the strategy. The committee included representatives from various departments of MCIT and its affiliated entities. The general framework and main features of the strategy were defined and reviewed in cooperation with the executive committee of the ministry. In February 2012, an executive summary of the strategy was introduced before the People’s Assembly and the Cabinet. In addition, dialogues were initiated with the wider community, including meetings with representatives from the private sector, civil society and the media. As ICT impacts on performance across all sectors of the economy, MCIT held a meeting with representatives from all government ministries to ensure their needs would be reflected within the new ICT strategy. 12 13 This meeting included a review of efforts exerted over the previous 10 years, an overview of the features of the National ICT Strategy for 2012-2017 and discussion of the future plans of the various ministries in this context. In March 2012, a detailed presentation on the ICT sector was held for the Transport and Information Committee of the People’s Assembly highlighting the progress of the sector through successive development strategies since 2000 and the features of the new strategy. The drafting team incorporated relevant input from the attendees into the current document. Strategy Framework The present document is divided into two main parts: The first part includes the vision, mission, aims and policies for the ICT sector from 2012 to 2017, as well as the most important legislative amendments that will be formulated during this period. The second part introduces the seven main pillars of the strategy and their corresponding programs, and the six targeted initiatives to be implemented through the executive plan of the strategy. The executive plan of the strategy, including all the projects to be implemented through the strategic axes and targeted initiatives, is presented in a separate document.