Microsoft, Egyptian Authorities launch joint initiative to combat cybercrime

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

Microsoft, in partnership with Egypt’s Administrative Control Authority and the Egyptian Public Prosecution Office, has launched a new joint initiative aimed at strengthening national and institutional resilience against cybercrime through enhanced public–private collaboration.

The initiative, known as the Joint Effort for Cybercrime and Resilience (JECR), was officially unveiled during the first high-level conference on cybercrime titled “Towards a Secure Digital Society: Public–Private Partnership to Combat Cybercrime.” The conference brought together senior government officials, legal authorities and private sector leaders to address the growing complexity of cyber threats.

Delivering the opening remarks at the conference, Mirna Arif, General Manager for Microsoft Middle East and Africa Growth Markets, highlighted the evolving nature of cybercrime, noting that modern threats are increasingly borderless, fast-moving and driven by advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and cybercrime-as-a-service models. She underscored that such threats extend beyond technical systems, affecting citizens’ daily lives, institutional security, economic stability and trust in digital transformation.

Arif emphasized that combating cybercrime can no longer be the responsibility of a single institution, describing public–private partnership as a strategic necessity rather than an option. She said initiatives such as JECR are critical to enabling coordinated and timely responses to emerging digital threats.

Microsoft expressed appreciation to the Administrative Control Authority and the Egyptian Public Prosecution Office for their collaboration in launching the initiative. The company also acknowledged the role of Egypt’s Public Prosecutor General, Counselor Mohamed Shawki, who hosted a closed high-level roundtable with Microsoft’s senior delegation to align on next steps and sustained engagement following the launch.

The Microsoft delegation included Jeff Bullwinkel, Vice President of Corporate, External and Legal Affairs for Microsoft EMEA; Steven Masada, Head of the Microsoft Digital Crime Unit; and Akua Gyekye, Head of Government Affairs for Africa. The initiative was led by Ebtehal Basiouny, Microsoft’s Regional Director for Government Affairs, with support from the company’s Egypt team.

The JECR initiative is expected to support stronger cooperation between public institutions and the private sector, enhance cybercrime prevention and response capabilities, and contribute to the development of a more secure digital society in Egypt.