Ahmed Nazif assumed the office of prime minister of Egypt on 14 July 2004, marking the beginning of a tenure that spanned until the cabinet's dismissal on 29 January 2011. Serving as the 48th prime minister, he was the youngest individual to hold the position since the founding of the modern Republic of Egypt.
Academic Background
Born in Alexandria in 1952, Nazif pursued higher education at Cairo University, where he earned a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in electrical engineering. He later obtained a Ph.D. in computer engineering from McGill University in Canada in 1983. Before transitioning into full-time politics, he worked as a professor in the Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University, where he also helped establish the institution's first computer engineering department.
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Nazif served as the minister for communications and information technology from 1999 to 2004. During this period, he implemented a plan for free internet connectivity and facilitated public access to hardware by partnering with the Egyptian Telecommunications Company to distribute low-priced computers. His efforts included the development of the Smart Village and the computerization of the national identity card project.
Government Tenure and Reform
Following his appointment by President Hosni Mubarak in 2004, Nazif led a cabinet characterized by technocrats and neo-liberals. In early 2010, while President Mubarak was undergoing surgery in Germany, Nazif served as the acting president from 5 March to 15 April. His administration eventually concluded during the 2011 Egyptian revolution, when his government was asked to resign.
Legal Proceedings
Following his departure from office, Nazif faced legal scrutiny regarding allegations of corruption and the waste of public funds. He was taken into custody on 10 April 2011. After a lengthy judicial process, the highest court of appeal in Egypt issued a final verdict on 4 May 2016, acquitting him of all charges.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Alexandria
- Education: El Nasr Boys' School, Cairo University, McGill University
- Prime Minister of Egypt: 2004-2011
- Communications Minister: 1999-2004
- Religion: Sunni Islam
- Honours: First Degree Medal of Sciences and Art
Questions readers ask
Did Ahmed Nazif hold any other ministerial roles?
Yes, he served as the minister for communications and information technology from 1999 to 2004 before becoming prime minister.
Was Ahmed Nazif convicted of corruption?
No, although he was arrested on such charges in 2011, he was acquitted of all allegations by Egypt's highest court of appeal in 2016.
Achievements
- Communications Minister of Egypt (1999–2004)
- Prime Minister of Egypt (2004–2011)
- Educated at Cairo University and McGill University
