Egypt Ranks 9th Globally in Freelancing as AI Reshapes Labor Market

Egypt climbed to ninth place globally in freelance work indicators as the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence transforms labor markets and creates new employment opportunities, according to Hoda Baraka, Adviser to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology for Digital Skills Development.

Speaking on Sunday, Baraka said the global economy is entering a new phase driven by artificial intelligence, making it essential to equip young people with the digital and professional skills needed to remain competitive in an evolving job market.

She noted that while AI is expected to automate some existing roles, it will also generate new career opportunities that require a combination of technical expertise and human-centered skills. Beyond digital competencies, she emphasized the growing importance of communication, foreign languages, management and negotiation as key differentiators in the global workforce.

Baraka highlighted the rapid expansion of Egypt's freelance economy, saying the number of freelancers in the country increased from approximately 390,000 to 890,000 by the end of 2025. The growth helped propel Egypt from 35th to ninth place worldwide in global freelancing rankings, reflecting the sector's increasing contribution to the country's digital economy.

She added that freelancing and remote work have become major engines of economic growth, providing Egyptian professionals with greater access to international employment opportunities while supporting foreign currency earnings and digital exports.

According to Baraka, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, through the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), continues to expand training initiatives aimed at preparing young people for both domestic and global labor markets. These programs focus on developing in-demand digital skills and connecting participants with employment opportunities across international platforms and technology sectors.

She stressed that the future of work is evolving rapidly and encouraged young people to proactively build their own career opportunities, adding that the government views freelancing as a strategic pillar of Egypt's digital transformation and long-term economic development agenda.