A Vision for AI Development
Egypt is ramping up its AI capabilities with an ambitious plan to train 30,000 AI specialists as part of its National AI Strategy (2025-2030). The strategy focuses on fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening AI infrastructure, and enhancing regulatory frameworks to position Egypt as a leader in AI innovation.
This vision was the highlight of the “Shaping Egypt AI Horizon” forum, organized by the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) in partnership with 500 Global at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Giza.
A Collaborative Forum for AI Growth
The forum gathered key players from government agencies, startups, private sector enterprises, and investors to discuss Egypt’s AI future. Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Amr Talaat, emphasized the government’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders to shape policies that drive AI innovation and investment.
Dr. Talaat also highlighted the forum’s role in creating a dialogue between Egypt’s AI ecosystem, which includes startups, SMEs, civil society, and AI-driven sectors.
The Six Pillars of Egypt’s National AI Strategy
The strategy is structured around six key pillars, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable AI ecosystem:
- Computing Infrastructure – Developing advanced infrastructure for AI model training.
- Data Governance – Ensuring responsible AI accessibility and usage.
- AI Applications – Encouraging real-world AI-powered solutions.
- Talent Development – Building AI skills to meet market demands.
- Regulatory Frameworks – Establishing ethical and policy guidelines for AI use.
- Ecosystem Growth – Connecting startups, enterprises, and investors to drive innovation.
ITIDA and 500 Global – Supporting AI Startups
ITIDA’s Role in AI Development
Engineer Ahmed Alzaher, CEO of ITIDA, highlighted the agency’s commitment to fostering AI talent and innovation. ITIDA aims to:
- âś… Connect key AI stakeholders, including government, startups, investors, and enterprises.
- âś… Develop AI training programs focused on software engineering, AI tools, and responsible AI use.
- âś… Support startups addressing AI skill shortages, with 37 AI-focused startups already engaged.
The agency is continuously adapting its programs and certifications to match evolving market demands, ensuring Egypt’s AI workforce remains competitive.
500 Global’s Investment in AI Innovation
Ms. Amal Anan, Managing Partner at 500 Global, outlined the firm’s dedication to expanding AI investments in Egypt. She noted that 500 Global, in collaboration with ITIDA, is working to:
- Encourage discussions between local and global AI companies.
- Integrate AI technologies into startup operations.
- Invest in AI-driven businesses for long-term growth.
Government’s Commitment to AI Expansion
Dr. Hoda Baraka, Advisor to the ICT Minister, reinforced the government’s dedication to enhancing AI capabilities across Egypt. The second phase of the National AI Strategy will focus on:
- Training 30,000 AI specialists.
- Equipping 26% of Egypt’s workforce with AI skills.
- Boosting AI adoption among citizens by 36%.
A Future-Ready AI Ecosystem
With strong government backing, private sector collaboration, and global investment, Egypt is positioning itself as a regional leader in AI development. Through strategic training programs, AI integration, and regulatory advancements, the country is building a future-ready AI workforce and ecosystem.