Egypt is making significant strides to empower artificial intelligence (AI) startups and foster growth in the sector. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, led by Amr Talaat, recently hosted the “Shaping the Horizons of Artificial Intelligence in Egypt” forum in partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and 500 Global.
Held at the Egypt Digital Creation Centre in Giza, the event brought together AI companies, venture capital firms, and stakeholders from various sectors to explore opportunities and challenges in the AI landscape. Talaat highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting AI startups through enhanced infrastructure, better access to data, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.
National AI Strategy
Egypt’s updated National AI Strategy (2025–2030) is built around six key pillars aimed at strengthening the AI ecosystem. The first pillar focuses on improving computational infrastructure to provide AI startups and businesses with the necessary resources to develop innovative solutions. The second pillar emphasizes data governance, ensuring data privacy while allowing the private sector to leverage data for AI development. The third pillar involves creating AI-based systems tailored to key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education. The strategy also includes training 30,000 AI specialists and equipping over 26% of the workforce with AI skills under the fourth pillar. Establishing a solid legislative framework to regulate AI use is the fifth pillar, while the sixth aims to create a thriving AI ecosystem by attracting local and international investment and supporting startups.
ITIDA is playing a central role in strengthening the AI startup ecosystem by providing training programs and connecting entrepreneurs with investors. The agency identified a shortage of specialized AI skills among startups and is working to address this gap through targeted training in software development and AI tools. Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA, emphasized the importance of building a supportive environment where startups can thrive by offering professional certifications and fostering cooperation between local and global players. Meanwhile, 500 Global has already invested in 65 Egyptian startups and plans to increase its presence in the country, reinforcing Egypt’s position as a rising hub for AI innovation.
The government’s approach to AI development reflects a balanced strategy of encouraging innovation while protecting data privacy. The Applied Innovation Centre, established by the ministry, is leading several AI projects, including machine learning for agriculture, healthcare automation, and AI-driven language processing. The focus on practical applications demonstrates Egypt’s commitment to aligning AI development with national priorities. With increased investment, improved infrastructure, and a growing talent pool, Egypt is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI market.