Egypt accelerates AI adoption with new strategy and ecosystem engagement
Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, reaffirmed the government's commitment to AI and its role in driving digital transformation. He highlighted Egypt's National AI Strategy (2025-2030), built on six key pillars:
Computing infrastructure to support AI model training.
Data governance ensuring AI accessibility and responsible use.
AI-powered systems for real-world applications.
AI talent and capacity-building to meet market needs.
Regulatory frameworks for AI ethics and policies.
Ecosystem growth connecting startups, enterprises, and investors.
He emphasized the ministry's commitment to regular engagement with stakeholders across the ICT sector to address their needs. He highlighted AI's expanding role across industries and the forum's aim to foster dialogue among Egypt's AI ecosystem.
"We are committed to enhancing Egypt's AI ecosystem by fostering collaboration, expanding our talent pool, and ensuring a regulatory framework that enables innovation," Dr. Talaat stated.
Bridging the Gap Between AI Talent and Market Needs
Egypt is scaling AI talent development to fuel AI innovation and enterprise adoption. Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA, highlighted the agency's specialized and novel training programs in AI coding, MLOps, and Responsible AI governance, led by ITIDA's Software Engineering Competence Center (SECC).
"At ITIDA, we are committed to fostering a thriving AI ecosystem by connecting stakeholders, equipping talent with cutting-edge skills, and supporting startups to scale their innovations," said El-Zaher, CEO of ITIDA.
"By bringing together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, we aim to bridge the gap between AI innovation and real-world applications, positioning Egypt as a competitive AI hub."; he added.
AI Startup Investment and Market Expansion
Dr. Hoda Baraka, Advisor to the Minister for AI, emphasized the government's efforts in building AI capabilities and integrating AI solutions into key sectors.
'Since 2019, Egypt has been committed to developing its AI ecosystem through capacity building and policy development. Our updated AI strategy (2025-2030) focuses on expanding AI applications, upskilling, and ensuring that AI solutions address national challenges across industries such as healthcare, finance, and agriculture,' she stated.
The event featured insights from 500 Global, which has invested in over 65 Egyptian startups and continues to identify AI-driven business opportunities. Amal Enan, Managing Partner at 500 Global, underscored the firm's commitment to scaling AI startups in Egypt. "Egypt's AI ecosystem is growing rapidly, and we see tremendous potential in startups integrating AI into their solutions. By fostering collaboration between investors, startups, and government stakeholders, we can unlock new opportunities and scale AI-driven businesses," Enan said.
She also noted that 157 startups are currently participating in 500 Global's accelerator programs, many of which focus on AI-driven innovations.
The event featured a session on AI-powered innovations, moderated by Dr. Haitham Hamza of ITIDA's SECC. Panelists from Baheya Foundation, e& Egypt, and CIB shared insights on AI's role in enhancing services, cybersecurity, and healthcare.
Another session, "Betting on AI," led by Amal Enan of 500 Global, gathered investors from Synapse Analytics, Intella, Tektonik Ventures, and Algebra Ventures to discuss AI investment trends and scaling challenges.
Additionally, the Applied Innovation Center of MCIT is developing AI-powered solutions in agriculture, education, healthcare, and legal sectors, demonstrating the real-world impact of AI research and development.
With plans to train 30,000 AI specialists, support 250 AI-driven companies, and expand AI awareness across society, Egypt is positioning itself as a leading AI innovation hub in the region.
With its well-established position as a leading global delivery hub for high-end digital and technology services, Egypt continues to attract major investments in AI and innovation. The country's deep talent pool, cost competitiveness, and strong government support make it an ideal destination for enterprises looking to scale AI-driven solutions and digital services.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Standard Chartered unveils UAE's first sustainable escrow solution
Standard Chartered has launched the UAE's first Sustainable Escrow and Account Bank solution, enabling businesses to align their cash deposits with sustainability goals. The market-first offering allows funds held in escrow or designated accounts to be directly linked to the bank's portfolio of verified green and sustainable loans and projects, in accordance with its Green and Sustainable Product Framework. Available across the UAE, including through the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and in the UK, the new solution marks a major step forward in sustainable transaction banking. It is designed to meet the growing demand for ESG-aligned financial tools that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. 'The UAE is leading the region in sustainability, and we are proud to support that vision with practical solutions,' said Sandrine Jourdainne, global head of deposits, Liquidity and Escrow Solutions at Standard Chartered. 'Our new offering gives clients a credible and transparent way to align their liquidity with meaningful environmental and social impact.' Acting as an independent Escrow Agent and Account Bank, Standard Chartered will ensure client funds are earmarked against eligible ESG initiatives. This offers businesses enhanced transparency, accountability, and confidence in meeting their sustainability objectives. The new solution adds to the bank's growing portfolio of ESG-driven services, including ESG-linked cash accounts, sustainable trade finance, and sustainable trade loans for financial institutions. The launch also reinforces Standard Chartered's ongoing commitment to supporting the UAE's climate goals and helping clients embed ESG considerations into core financial operations.
Gulf Today
18 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Royex Technologies: AI spiraling business growth
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how businesses operate today, according to Rajib Roy, Founder and CEO of Royex Technologies, a leading AI and digital transformation company headquartered in Dubai. 'From real-time decision-making to predictive analytics, AI empowers companies to move faster, operate smarter, and serve customers more efficiently,' said Roy, author of four AI and technology focused books. Reactive management to proactive strategy 'It's transforming manual tasks into intelligent workflows, enabling businesses to scale without proportional increases in cost or workforce. More importantly, it's helping leaders shift from reactive management to proactive strategy, based on data-driven insights. The real transformation lies in how AI allows companies to focus more on innovation and customer experience—two key drivers of long-term success,' explained Roy. Significant drop in operational cost of business Sharing an example of how AI transformation is scaling business operations, Roy said one of Royex Technologies' product EYAANA – an AI-first communication platform has made a positive impact on multiple industries. In particular, it has made massive strides with a real estate company where EYAANA has automated over 80% of lead interactions for the business across phone, WhatsApp, and web chat. 'This has resulted in a massive response time drop from hours to seconds. Beside, conversion rates improved by 27%, and the sales team could focus on closing deals rather than chasing leads. All this has led to a significant reduction in operational costs, for the real estate company as AI has replaced two full-time resources.' Maximising human resources In the hospitality sector, Royex Technologies partnered with a hotel group that previously had a team of 16 people managing customer support across WhatsApp, web chat, and social media. After integrating EYAANA's AI agents across all platforms, they were able to reallocate 12 staff members to other departments, retaining just two people for overseeing customer service operations. What previously required 16 human agents is now managed with an AI-augmented team of two people resulting in a cost saving of nearly 75% in that department, while maintaining 24/7 responsiveness and improved customer satisfaction. Beside the reallocation of the staff to other departments also meant their productivity was put to full use elsewhere. Giving clarity to businesses to move faster Strategically, AI creates value in multiple areas. It helps businesses better understand customer behavior and forecast future trends, enabling more personalized and targeted offerings. Roy said: 'Pricing and marketing strategies can be optimized using real-time data, while AI-powered tools support improved risk management and fraud detection. In supply chain operations, AI enhances planning, demand forecasting, and logistics efficiency. Additionally, by automating repetitive tasks and augmenting human capabilities, AI significantly improves employee productivity. In essence, AI acts as a decision-making accelerator, giving businesses the clarity and confidence to move faster and adapt smarter in a competitive environment.'
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Zawya
South Africans embrace tech with optimism and purpose
South Africans are not just keeping pace with global tech trends, they're embracing them with confidence. According to the latest YouGov Profiles data, analysed by consumer insights agency KLA, South Africans have shown consistently positive attitudes toward emerging technology between 2021 and 2025. The findings reveal a nation that sees technology not as a threat, but as a tool for progress. The survey explored shifts in sentiment over a four-year period and compared local attitudes to those in other developed and developing countries. From 5G to AI and immersive technologies like Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), South Africans are showing high levels of optimism, utility, and curiosity, offering a unique opportunity for tech brands and service providers. The data shows that 86% of South Africans in 2025 agree that 5G improves their digital experience, and 78% believe that having 5G benefits their life in many ways. Rather than being seen as just a faster network, 5G is now viewed as an enabler of better digital experiences. AI is also gaining traction, with 68% of respondents stating they think AI is just the next step in evolution, up from 62% in 2021. Similarly, 64% of people agree that AR/VR helps users experience new things, compared to 59% in 2021. The message is clear, South Africans are open to innovation, particularly when it's designed to enhance everyday life. What's interesting to note, is the consistency of these insights. While global narratives around AI and privacy have shifted, South African sentiment has remained relatively steady, or improved, across all key metrics. The trust is not just intact, it's growing. According to KLA, this steady progression suggests that South Africans' trust in technology hasn't just endured, it's deepened. This provides a strong foundation for innovation that's practical, inclusive, and locally relevant. When compared to global counterparts, South Africa's tech optimism stands out in several ways. The country's mobile-first mindset remains strong, especially when contrasted with more diversified usage patterns in developed markets. There's also a notable level of trust in AI, particularly compared to more sceptical attitudes seen in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. Meanwhile, South African consumers show strong enthusiasm for AR/VR technologies, despite lower device ownership than in Western markets. It's a sign of interest that outpaces infrastructure, a signal for brands to move fast but meaningfully. For fintech startups, telco providers, app developers, and smart device manufacturers, the South African market is primed and ready, but it demands more than just flashy innovation. South African consumers want tech that works, simplifies life, and is easy to use. Every product should be optimised for mobile connectivity and designed with usability in mind. Communication also matters - people want to understand how these technologies work and why they matter. And above all, consumers are looking for real impact: they want tech that improves education, creates access, and reduces inequality. Between 2021 and 2025, South Africa has moved from early adoption to full integration when it comes to digital tools. We are a country that not only uses technology, but believe in its potential to create a better future. For brands, the opportunity lies in delivering solutions that are smart, transparent, and people-first. Data is sourced from YouGov Profiles, a segmentation and media planning tool. South African data was collected from nationally representative samples of South African adults aged 18+ with internet access. Sample sizes: 2025 n=1,936; 2021 n=6,039.
