Egypt Launches Ambitious AI Strategy to Lead Middle East and Africa by 2030

Egypt’s New National AI Strategy Targets Leadership in Middle East and Africa

Egypt has launched the second edition of its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2030, building on the foundation set by the initial plan in 2021. The focus is clear: leverage AI to boost social and economic development, create a digital society, and improve life quality for all Egyptians.

The strategy’s vision, titled “Inclusive AI to foster Digital Egypt,” emphasizes development access for every citizen. Its mission centers on creating a sustainable and competitive AI industry through governance, technology, data, infrastructure, ecosystem, and talent.

Key Strategic Objectives

• Establish an ethical and responsible AI framework
• Enhance quality of life using AI solutions
• Ensure data accessibility and sharing
• Build scalable and effective AI infrastructure
• Develop a vibrant AI ecosystem
• Grow local AI talent pool

The strategy sets clear targets for 2030. The ICT sector is expected to contribute 7.7% to Egypt’s GDP. AI tools are projected to benefit 26% of the workforce, while 36% of the population will have daily access to AI-powered products. Additionally, Egypt aims to increase AI professionals to 30,000 and double AI academic publications to 6,000 annually. The plan also supports the growth of over 250 successful AI companies.

Foundations of the Strategy

Egypt’s AI plan rests on six pillars:

• Governance: Develops regulatory frameworks, including AI laws and a Center for Responsible AI.
• Technology: Focuses on creating national AI models and applying large language models across industries.
• Data: Implements a comprehensive data strategy with open data platforms, recognizing data as the fuel for AI algorithms.
• ICT and AI Infrastructure: Builds scalable infrastructure such as advanced data centers and cloud services.
• Ecosystem: Supports the AI industry with investment environments and collaboration platforms.
• Talent: Concentrates on developing and attracting AI experts through targeted initiatives.

Strategic Importance and Progress

The strategy acknowledges the prominence of large AI models and generative AI in shaping future competitiveness. To support this, “strategic AI funding” is highlighted as essential for ongoing development.

Egypt’s progress is notable. It ranks 52nd on Tortoise Media’s Global AI Index 2024 and improved by 49 places on the Government AI Readiness Index between 2019 and 2023. This momentum positions Egypt to be a significant AI player regionally and globally.

Executives involved in shaping AI initiatives can gain practical insights from Egypt’s approach to building AI capabilities, emphasizing governance, infrastructure, and talent development. For those looking to deepen their AI expertise, Complete AI Training offers courses tailored to various skill levels and job roles.