Egyptian Communications and Information Technology Minister, Eng. Raft Hendi, met with Paolo Guglielmini, Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at NVIDIA, to discuss potential cooperation in artificial intelligence, computing, digital skills development, and innovation support. The meeting explored collaboration opportunities in research and development of advanced technologies, local capacity building, and startup support.
The discussion also focused on providing specialized training content and technical expertise, as well as utilizing AI and deep learning training programs and trainer training. Additionally, the meeting looked into ways to develop local computing and AI capabilities to support the needs of Egyptian developers, researchers, and institutions. A memorandum of understanding is being prepared to outline proposed cooperation areas between the two parties.
Minister Hendi highlighted Egypt's comprehensive approach to employing AI technologies to achieve tangible developmental, economic, and social impacts. He emphasized that Egypt was one of the first countries in the Middle East and Africa to develop a national AI strategy in 2019. This strategy included establishing the National AI Council, launching the National AI Strategy, and creating the Applied Innovation Center.
The Minister noted that these efforts contributed to Egypt's advancement in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index by Oxford Insights, ranking first in Africa and third in the Arab world. He also mentioned that Egypt has strategic partnerships with several American and global technology companies and expressed hope for attracting more companies to work and invest in Egypt.
Paolo Guglielmini stated that Egypt has the talent and ambition to become a significant player in AI innovation. He noted that NVIDIA can accelerate this ambition through its integrated system of accelerated computing, software, and AI tools, as well as training programs that enable developers to turn their ideas into practical applications.
The meeting also reviewed Egypt's competitive advantages in the communications and information technology sector, including a large base of qualified cadres, a growing technological infrastructure, and a supportive investment and innovation environment. These factors have attracted investments from global companies operating in various technological fields.
The discussion touched upon the second phase of the National AI Strategy (2025-2030), its objectives, and the progress made in its implementation. The two parties explored opportunities to support these efforts through skills development, innovation encouragement, and expanded use of AI applications.
Key points
- Egypt's Communications Minister Eng. Raft Hendi met with NVIDIA's VP Paolo Guglielmini to discuss cooperation in AI and digital skills development.
- The meeting aimed to explore collaboration opportunities in research, local capacity building, and startup support.
- Egypt has been actively developing its AI capabilities, including establishing the National AI Council and launching the National AI Strategy in 2019.
