By Mohamed Alaa Eldin

Cloud computing activity in Egypt will grow by at least 50% over the next year, predicted IBM Egypt CEO Amr Talaat at the launch of the second phase of an IBM initiative carried out in cooperation with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA).

The initiative aims to support local software companies in acquiring skills and expertise in cloud computing as a source of innovation in the region. The launch forms part of the activities of Cairo ICT 2014 exhibition and conference.

This agreement forms part of ITIDA’s strategy to help small and medium-sized companies operating in the field of telecommunications and IT expand their business base and enter new regional and international markets.

Beginning next month, 20 software companies are expected to take advantage of an ITIDA cooperation agreement to use IBM’s cloud computing platform to develop and test technology solutions.