Egypt is preparing to enter a new phase in its use of artificial intelligence, extending beyond the development of technology within institutions to increased citizen use of smart tools, support for new companies, and qualified personnel to lead this transformation. The second phase of the national artificial intelligence strategy aims to enable 36% of citizens to use AI tools, transforming technology from available tools to a means of improving services and creating new economic opportunities.
The plan includes several targets that reveal the scope of the expected transformation, with the state working to support over 250 new startups that rely on artificial intelligence, in addition to training over 30,000 specialists in highly specialized fields related to this technology. According to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the goal is not limited to companies and specialists, but also aims to expand the base of users by making AI tools available to a larger percentage of citizens through three parallel paths: more users, new startups, and qualified specialists to develop and apply technologies.
The Ministry of Communications emphasizes that reaching 36% of citizens with AI tools means expanding the use of these tools beyond companies and specialized sectors, making them part of daily use for a larger segment of society. This expansion includes citizens' ability to benefit from smart tools in obtaining information, completing digital tasks, and dealing with services, in addition to increasing awareness of how to use these technologies safely and effectively. The strategy links the spread of use with capacity building, which is why training 30,000 specialists runs parallel to increasing the number of users.
Egypt is focusing on supporting over 250 new startups based on artificial intelligence, expanding the base of companies capable of developing local solutions in this field. These startups provide a path for converting AI technologies into products and services that can be used in the market, which is related to the broader goal of the strategy: achieving economic and developmental impact from technology. The state continues to operate 24 centers from the "Egypt Digital Creativity" incubators to support entrepreneurs and emerging projects.
The spread of artificial intelligence requires not only end-users but also specialists capable of developing models, software, and managing the necessary technological infrastructure to operate smart applications. Therefore, the new phase includes training over 30,000 highly specialized specialists to increase the base of competencies needed by the technology market in the coming years. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced that the expansion in AI coincides with Egypt's move to develop the data center and cloud computing industry.
Egypt is working on preparing a national strategy for data centers, expected to be launched by the end of 2026, to establish a comprehensive framework for developing this industry. Egypt benefits from its geographical location and international submarine cable network, with 20 international submarine cables passing through its lands, transmitting about 90% of internet traffic between Europe and Asia. The state aims to increase economic benefit from this through data hosting, processing, and providing digital services.
The artificial intelligence plan is moving in parallel with a broader digital transformation plan, aiming to make all government services available through the "Egypt Digital" platform by 2030. The system relies on tools such as digital identity, remote electronic signature, and authenticated digital mail, supporting the transition to more integrated digital government services. The expansion in technology use is also linked to cybersecurity and data protection, with the continued implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023-2027 and the preparation of its third edition.
Key points
- Egypt targets 36% of citizens to use AI tools.
- The plan includes supporting over 250 AI-based startups.
- Over 30,000 specialists will be trained in highly specialized AI fields.
