The ICT sector in Cyprus has shown significant growth, with a 283% increase in GVA from 2011 to 2023, positioning Cyprus fourth in the EU27 for ICT growth. Despite this growth, the employment rate of ICT specialists in Cyprus remains at the EU average of 4.6%, indicating a need for more specialists to catch up with the sector’s growth.
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has extended the application deadline for a sponsorship program with the code ‘sponsorships-event-0524’ to June 3, 2024. The total budget allocated for the program is €260,000, with different funding amounts available for large-scale events (up to €40,000), medium-scale events (up to €10,000), and medium-scale events focused on acquiring digital skills (up to €10,000).
Representatives from social partner organizations met at the Productivity Centre to discuss attracting Turkish Cypriots to training programs under the European Year of Skills initiative. The government announced measures to improve job prospects for Turkish Cypriots, including access to training programs. KEPA clarified that initial programs would be held in Turkish at the House of Cooperation. The goal is to reach 1,000 participants in EU co-funded training, with eligibility for all Turkish Cypriot identity card holders. Programs will cover topics like environmental sustainability, digital skills, customer service excellence, and occupational health and safety. The government announced 14 measures to benefit Turkish Cypriots, including participation in training programs and EU acquis seminars. KEPA will provide further communication to stakeholders, with programs expected to start in late May or early June and run until the end of the year.
MTN Group made a total tax contribution of .3 billion (R61.7 bn) across its 19 markets last financial year.
Deputy Minister of Research Nicodemos Damianou is scheduled to travel to Brussels to attend an EU telecommunications ministers meeting. The summit will focus on shaping the European digital landscape, including measures to strengthen the Digital Single Market, regulations such as the Digital Services Act, Artificial Intelligence Act, and Cyber Resilience Act, as well as establishing a Framework for a European Digital Identity. Discussions will also cover cybersecurity, digital skills enhancement, and the need for coordinated efforts among national authorities for digital transformation. A policy debate on the implementation of digital legislation will take place, and conclusions on the future of the EU’s digital policy and cybersecurity strategies are expected to be approved. Damianou will also participate in a Competitiveness Council meeting to discuss the potential creation of a European space law to establish common standards for safety, resilience, and sustainability in space activities. He is expected to return to Cyprus on the evening of Thursday, May 23.
– Most young Cypriots who will not vote in the upcoming European elections say they have no trust in the political system.
– Cyprus has the lowest number of youths active in initiatives aimed at changing society, at 31 per cent.
– The proportion of respondents mentioning distrust in the political system in general as a reason for not voting is the highest in Cyprus (28 per cent).
– Not liking any political party or candidate is a reason for not voting for 24 per cent of respondents in Cyprus.
– 53 per cent of young people in Cyprus said they intended to vote.
– A large majority reported that the education system in their countries prepared them well for the challenges they face.
– 64 per cent of young Cypriots believe that the EU has an impact on their daily lives.
Labour Minister Yannis Panagiotou discussed measures to support Turkish Cypriots, including the distribution of widowhood pensions to eligible spouses of Turkish Cypriots who contributed to the Social Insurance Fund. The Ministry of Labour is simplifying the application process by allowing married Turkish Cypriot contributors to submit a joint affidavit. Additionally, vocational training programs in Turkish are being offered between May and December 2024 to equip up to 1,000 Turkish Cypriots with green and digital skills.
Fact: Rural areas across Cyprus are to receive “ultra-high-speed” fibreoptic internet networks as part of a government project to bridge the digital divide and provide equal access to gigabit connectivity for everyone by 2026.
Cyprus is positioned to become a regional center for technology and innovation, with Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodemos Damianou stating this at the 14th Nicosia Economic Congress. Damianou revealed an ambitious plan for Cyprus to be the first country fully covered by a high-speed fiber optic network. Additionally, a substantial 23% of the funds from the Resilience and Recovery Plan were allocated to technological upgrading.
– The services sector in Cyprus performed well in 2023, with significant improvements in various key areas.
– Accommodation and catering services saw an increase of 18.9%, administrative and support services grew by 15.5%, professional, scientific, and technical activities by 2.7%, and information and communication by 2%.
– Tourism sector showed improvement in 2023, with tourist arrivals reaching 3,845,652, approaching pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
– The UK had the most tourist arrivals in Cyprus in 2023, followed by Israel, Poland, and Germany.
– The Shipping sector transported 98% of raw materials and essential goods in Cyprus in 2023, contributing about 7% of GDP.
– Oev undertook various initiatives in 2023, including research on digital skills, Innovation Awards, and promoting digital skills and AI adoption.
– Oev also organized a Business Mission to Greece, Information Day on dispute resolution methods, and supported the newly established Tourism Promotion Agency.