Prime Minister Uk announced strong support for the further development of the IT sector in Sarajevo Canton

05.04.2023.

Prime Minister of the Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, and Damir Maglajlić, Executive Director of Bit Alliance, held a meeting to discuss further strengthening the Government of Sarajevo Canton's support for the development of the IT industry within the Canton.

Both sides agreed that the IT sector is one of the strongest drivers of overall economic development in Sarajevo Canton and that it is rightfully recognized as a strategic industry in the Federation of BiH.

It was agreed that joint activities aimed at stronger institutional support for this sector will continue. This includes the ongoing coverage of tuition fees for all students in IT-related study programs at higher education institutions of the University of Sarajevo, as well as continued reforms of computer science curricula in primary and secondary education. They also agreed to initiate activities for developing a legal framework to establish an incentive system for the growth of the IT industry as a strategic economic branch in Sarajevo Canton.

“IT companies operating in Sarajevo Canton generated nearly BAM 700 million in revenue in 2022, of which BAM 500 million came from exports. At this point, the IT sector is already one of the strongest industries in Sarajevo Canton and the industry with by far the greatest development potential. In the past four years, the IT sector has created 2,750 new jobs, meaning that every third newly created job in Sarajevo Canton has been in the IT industry. It is clear that this industry represents enormous potential that—if it is to be fully realised—requires strong support from the competent authorities, particularly in the areas of education and the creation of a more favourable business environment. Without such support, the existing potential may remain underutilised, and both the country and especially Sarajevo Canton, as the centre of the IT industry in BiH, would miss an excellent opportunity for accelerated development. We are pleased to have the strong support of the Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton in implementing the measures we expect from the government,” Maglajlić stated.