MTS seeks to attract Chinese technology investments, develops AI platform with UCloud

MTS is seeking to expand its cooperation with Chinese technology and infrastructure companies to attract new investments into Egypt, localise advanced technologies and develop digital infrastructure, according to Hesham Kandeel, Chairperson and CEO of MTS.

The company’s cooperation with Chinese technology group Inspur, which has established a strategic presence in the Middle East and Africa through its regional operations in Egypt, is expected to support projects spanning data centres, healthcare digitalisation, infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI).

Kandeel said MTS is working with Inspur on several major projects in Egypt, including the development of the unified number system for the Ministry of Health, as well as infrastructure and electricity projects that could benefit from Chinese investment and financing.

Under the financing arrangements being explored, the Chinese side could cover around 60% of the costs of certain projects, with the remaining funding coming from other sources. However, the specific projects and financing structures have yet to be disclosed.

One of the most prominent developments under the partnership is a proposed data centre manufacturing facility in Egypt, with preliminary investments estimated at $100m. MTS is currently pursuing the necessary government approvals, with Ain Sokhna being considered as a potential location.

The facility would focus on developing and manufacturing data centre infrastructure locally, supporting the establishment of sovereign and private data centres and strengthening Egypt’s digital infrastructure. MTS would act as the local partner responsible for technology transfer, coordination with government authorities and engineering implementation.

In a separate development, Kandeel referred to another planned data centre project with estimated investments of around $6bn, without disclosing its investors, location or implementation details.

MTS’s cooperation with Inspur also extends beyond Egypt. Its areas of work include government digital services in Libya and projects related to agricultural development in southern China, alongside technology and infrastructure initiatives in other markets.

In Egypt, MTS is also involved in projects related to free zones and carbon footprint measurement, targeting sectors including agriculture, industry and exports. Such solutions are becoming increasingly relevant to businesses seeking to improve environmental reporting and meet sustainability requirements in international markets.

AI platform to connect users with nearly 1,800 companies

Alongside its infrastructure activities, MTS is developing an artificial intelligence platform in cooperation with Chinese cloud computing company UCloud, aiming to provide businesses and individual users with access to a wide range of AI providers through a single digital interface.

Kandeel said the platform is designed to connect users with approximately 1,787 AI companies, allowing them to access multiple tools and services at substantially lower costs than purchasing individual subscriptions from different providers.

The platform is also expected to incorporate advanced features for automated feasibility studies and technology assessments, helping businesses identify suitable technical solutions based on their operational requirements and investment priorities.

The model aims to simplify access to an increasingly fragmented AI market, where companies often need subscriptions to multiple specialised platforms to meet different business needs. By consolidating access through a single platform, MTS seeks to reduce costs and make AI applications more accessible to businesses.

Automated feasibility studies and technology recommendations could also help companies assess investment opportunities, compare available solutions and make more informed decisions before committing resources to new digital projects.

The initiative comes as Egypt seeks to strengthen its digital infrastructure and attract investment in data centres, cloud computing and AI technologies.

In September 2026, the Ministry of Health and Population discussed cooperation with MTS and Inspur on developing the Egypt Smart Healthcare Platform, which aims to connect healthcare facilities through a unified digital framework integrating patients’ medical records and health data.

The proposed platform would also include electronic health records, telemedicine services and a command and control centre, with the two sides reviewing implementation phases and potential financing models.

The discussions reflect the potential for cooperation between local companies and international technology providers to support the digital transformation of government services and key economic sectors.

Through its partnerships with Chinese technology companies, MTS is seeking to position itself as a local partner for technology transfer, project implementation and digital solutions development, while expanding its involvement in projects across Egypt and regional markets.