Egypt expands digital freelancing drive to boost IT offshoring exports
Government aims to strengthen global competitiveness through workforce training, digital skills development and higher technology service exports
CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egypt is stepping up efforts to expand its digital freelance workforce as part of a broader strategy to increase technology service exports and strengthen the country’s position as a leading destination for global IT offshoring.
Speaking at the WorkShift Summit 2026, Mahmoud Sofrata, Vice President for Market Development at the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), said freelancing has evolved into a major pillar of the digital economy and is playing an increasingly important role in driving economic growth.
Sofrata said Egypt ranks ninth worldwide in digital freelancing, citing World Bank data estimating that the country has around 850,000 digital freelancers.
He added that Egypt’s higher education system produces approximately 750,000 graduates annually, including about 50,000 engineers, providing a large and growing pool of technology professionals.
He noted that rising global demand for digital talent has intensified competition among countries seeking to attract offshoring investment, prompting Egypt to further strengthen its workforce development initiatives.
To improve the international competitiveness of Egyptian freelancers, ITIDA is expanding training programs through initiatives such as Egypt FWD and ITIDA Gigs while introducing additional incentives aimed at helping freelancers secure more global opportunities and contribute to higher digital export earnings.
The initiative forms part of Egypt’s long-term strategy to establish itself as a regional hub for information technology offshoring and digital services.
Officials said the sector currently contributes more than 6% of Egypt’s gross domestic product, with the government targeting an increase in digital services offshoring revenues from $5.2 billion in 2025 to $6 billion in 2026.
The WorkShift Summit 2026 brought together government officials and industry leaders to discuss strategies for expanding digital employment, strengthening the technology sector and accelerating Egypt’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy.
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