Last week, a warning was issued that a strategy without practical steps would remain ineffective. Meanwhile, the world is rapidly moving towards artificial intelligence, with Thomas Friedman, a renowned journalist, warning that AI is not just a tool but a tsunami that is reshaping the global economy and politics at an unprecedented pace. While some predictions of doom and extinction may be exaggerated, and certain reassurances from large companies may be shortsighted, it is clear that waiting and imitating neighboring countries is not a viable policy.
The Egyptian government has already taken steps in the right direction by developing a strategy for artificial intelligence from 2025 to 2030. However, it is crucial that this strategy is not left to gather dust on shelves, but rather converted into tangible actions. This can be achieved by localizing AI through a clear roadmap with allocated resources and timelines, focusing on practical and executable projects. A proposal has been made to achieve this through several key initiatives that can be implemented and improved upon.
One of the key areas of focus should be on developing an Arabic-centric approach to AI, creating models that understand Arabic dialects, culture, and terminology. This can be achieved by establishing an independent Arab center for testing and validating AI models, ensuring they are secure and safe for use. This center can issue trust certificates for local applications, making Egypt a regional hub for testing and exporting AI models to Africa and the Arab world.
Another area where AI can have a significant impact is in agriculture and water management. A proposed model can analyze satellite images and soil moisture to guide irrigation and detect diseases in specific crops. This approach allows for human oversight, with engineers and farmers making final decisions on the success of the experiment. If successful, this model can be exported to countries facing similar challenges.
The development of AI also requires access to high-quality data, which can be achieved through the creation of data funds for various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and transportation. These funds can provide the necessary data for AI models to learn and improve, while ensuring that data is protected and used responsibly. The Egyptian strategy already includes frameworks for data governance, and it is essential to build on this to create a robust data infrastructure.
To support the development and implementation of AI, a national shared computing facility can be established, providing access to computing power and resources for researchers and companies. This can be achieved through a collaborative model, where universities and companies can submit projects and receive allocated computing time based on the quality and importance of their work.
The government can play a crucial role in driving the adoption of AI by acting as a "first customer" for locally developed AI solutions. By presenting specific challenges and problems, the government can create a market for innovative solutions, while ensuring that these solutions meet specific requirements and standards. This approach can help to create a thriving ecosystem for AI development in Egypt, while ensuring that the benefits of AI are realized.
Key points
- Egypt needs to develop a clear roadmap for AI implementation to avoid being left behind.
- A national shared computing facility can support the development and implementation of AI in Egypt.
- The government can drive the adoption of AI by acting as a "first customer" for locally developed solutions.
