Maait: Egypt Allocates EGP 12.7 Billion for Digitalization

Mohamed Maait, Minister of Finance said that Egypt allocated EGP 12.7 billion in the current fiscal year for projects of gradual transformation into "digital Egypt", confirming the government's keenness to strengthen the implementation steps to popularize electronic collection mechanisms as an alternative to traditional ones.

Maait explained in a statement of Friday that the project contributes effectively to automating public services provided to citizens, facilitating access to them without additional fees, and consolidating the foundations of transparency and equal opportunities among citizens.

The minister affirmed that the strategic "digitization" project is the biggest guarantee to strengthen governance and good management of state resources.

He indicated that the corona crisis has doubled the importance of e-payments in light of the precautionary measures necessary to deal with the repercussions of the pandemic.

He pointed out that the electronic government receipts rose from EGP 1 billion to EGP 4 billion per month during the past year in light of the repercussions of corona, and witnessed an annual growth of 250%, reflecting the strong performance and sustainable development of the e-payment and tax collection system in the country.

He added that the government electronic payment and collection system possesses an electronic infrastructure equipped with the latest international technologies, and provides an encrypted network to enable secure payment through various electronic platforms.

The minister explained that the executive regulations of the law regulating the use of cashless payment methods contribute to laying the foundations for the digital transformation not only in the administrative authorities, but extending the umbrella to the public and private sectors.

He pointed out that March 7 is the last date for the parties addressed by this law and its executive regulations to reconcile their positions, and to provide a non-cash payment method for those dealing with them in all outlets for the collection of services at no additional cost.

"We are looking for a "digital society" that ensures the facilitation of citizens' access to governmental and non-governmental services at their actual value through electronic payment and "online" purchases, in line with presidential directives to gradually move to "digital Egypt" as a catalyst for economic growth," the minister of finance added.

He explained that the electronic government cards for the disbursement of workers' dues are currently being converted to payment cards known as "Meeza" with contactless smart chips. This allows them to withdraw cash services from ATM machines, purchases via the Internet, electronic points of sale (POS), and pay government dues electronically through the government electronic payment and collection system.