An Analytical Reading of the ICT Sector in Egypt (2003-2022): A Governance Framework Proposal to Improve Its Performance

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Institute of National Planning, Egypt

2 Delta Higher Institute for Computers in Mansoura, Egypt

3 The Higher Institute for Hotel and Tourist Studies in New Damietta

Abstract

The study seeks to analyse challenges and opportunities for implementing governance in the information and communication (ICT) sector in Egypt. It aims to put forward applicable proposals to overcome these challenges, enhance opportunities, and suggest a proposal of a governance framework to support Egypt's efforts to transform towards an open, competitive, more transparent, and accountable participatory sector, and to achieve very high-value indicators in ICT sector governance. So, the study used the descriptive analytical approach and the SWOT analysis tools. The most important findings of the study revealed that the implementation of governance standards is considered one of the leverages for Egypt's sustainable development, due to its role in promoting participation, transparency, accountability, and government effectiveness. The study revealed that voice and accountability, political stability, and telecommunications infrastructure indicators were the lowest sub-indicators during the study period (2003‒2022). They are one of the main reasons for Egypt's downturn in the international and African ranking on the e-Government Development Index and Governance Index. During the study period, Egypt did not enter the group that scored "a very high value of the index". Therefore, the strong political will, strategic leadership, and commitment to expand and implement digital services will allow us to achieve a higher ranking in the e-government index. The study concluded with a set of recommendations, notably, a clear and public strategy for implementing governance standards in the ICT sector, strengthening the legal structure of e-government by launching digital identity; a public system based on openness and an implicit controlling system based on principles, standards, transparency, participation and accountability, as well as an administrative structure responsible for monitoring and measuring future changes and developments that will affect the improvement of the sector's situation.

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