Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has launched ITIDA Gigs, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at training and equipping 20,000 university students and fresh graduates for success in the freelancing market.

Developed in partnership with EYouth, an Egyptian EdTech startup, the program is part of a broader effort to position Egypt as a regional leader in digital skills and freelancing expertise.

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Empowering the freelance workforce

The initiative targets young people aged 18 and above with knowledge of IT-related fields such as web development, data science, digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. Through ITIDA Gigs, participants will gain essential skills, including freelancing fundamentals, marketing strategies, professional branding on social media, negotiation techniques, and project management.

Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA, described the initiative as a strategic effort to grow Egypt’s freelance market and enhance its digital economy. “Freelancing has become a global priority for individuals and businesses amid rapid shifts in the job market,” he said. “Through ITIDA Gigs, we empower Egyptian youth with competitive skills to secure sustainable income and freelance opportunities through digital platforms.”

El-Zaher emphasised the program’s alignment with Egypt’s vision for digital transformation and its role in creating non-traditional job opportunities. “Our partnership with EYouth reflects our commitment to supporting innovative local startups. Through this initiative, we aim to build a skilled freelance workforce that boosts digital exports and strengthens Egypt’s digital economy,” he added.

A collaborative effort for digital excellence

EYouth, selected through a competitive tender, brings its extensive experience in digital education to the program. Mustafa Abd El-Latif, CEO and Co-Founder of EYouth, highlighted the importance of empowering youth through technology-driven education.

“We are proud to collaborate with ITIDA on this pioneering initiative, which reflects our commitment to empowering youth through technology-driven education. With our extensive experience in training over 3 million learners, we aim to build a strong freelance community that positions Egypt as a leading country with competitive talents on the global stage,” Abd El-Latif said.

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Strengthening Egypt’s digital economy

Over 15 months, ITIDA Gigs will host 20 cohorts of 1,000 participants each, providing AI-powered tools, interactive webinars, and performance tracking. Participants will receive accredited certifications upon completion, equipping them to thrive in the digital freelance marketplace.

With ITIDA Gigs, Egypt is taking bold steps to bridge the gap between education and employment, fostering a skilled workforce that aligns with the demands of the global digital economy. Applications are now open for aspiring freelancers eager to join this transformative program.