Egypt’s Bold AI Vision:
Pioneering Innovation and Regional Leadership
Egypt is positioning itself as a regional leader in artificial intelligence with the launch of its National AI Strategy for 2025–2030, announced by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This ambitious plan builds on years of groundwork and aims to transform the country into a hub for innovation and digital transformation. At its core, the strategy reflects Egypt’s determination to harness the power of AI to drive economic growth, improve public services, and elevate living standards for its citizens.
A key focus of the strategy is expanding the role of the ICT sector, targeting an increased contribution of 7.7% to Egypt’s GDP by 2030. This growth will be fueled by the establishment of more than 250 AI startups and the training of 30,000 AI professionals, cementing Egypt’s commitment to developing a skilled and future-ready workforce. In a country already known for its talented software developers, this push for AI expertise could further enhance its global reputation in the tech world.
One of the standout features of the strategy is the plan to develop a large-scale Arabic language model. This foundational AI tool, designed for tasks like language translation, sentiment analysis, and content creation, will not only serve Egypt but also address a regional need for high-quality Arabic digital solutions. By focusing on industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and law, Egypt aims to embed AI into critical sectors, improving efficiency and fostering innovation.
This next phase of Egypt’s AI journey comes at a pivotal moment. The country’s first AI strategy, launched in 2021, laid the groundwork by focusing on government applications, capacity building, and external partnerships. However, the rapid rise of generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, has reshaped global priorities. Egypt’s revised strategy reflects this shift, embracing cutting-edge AI advancements while staying true to its commitment to inclusivity and ethical use. The Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI, published in 2023, ensures that the country’s AI development aligns with international standards, promoting fairness and transparency.
Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of the strategy. Investments in data centers, widespread 5G connectivity, and sustainable computing facilities aim to create the robust technological backbone necessary to support advanced AI applications. Coupled with grants and funding for research and development, the government is paving the way for a thriving startup ecosystem that can compete on a global scale.
Egypt’s progress is already visible. The country has climbed significantly on the Government AI Readiness Index, moving from 111th place in 2019 to 62nd in 2023. This upward trajectory demonstrates its growing capacity to implement large-scale AI initiatives. With regional neighbors such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE making strides in AI, Egypt’s focus on Arabic-specific technologies and inclusive AI solutions could set it apart as a regional leader.
As the world continues to embrace artificial intelligence, Egypt’s comprehensive approach—focusing on talent, infrastructure, and ethical governance—offers a blueprint for how emerging economies can leverage AI for national development. With its eyes firmly on the future, Egypt is not just preparing for the age of AI; it is actively shaping it.
Source: Egypt, France Strengthen Collaboration in AI, Digital Capacity Building from Monday، 27 January 2025