As part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s aim to cultivate Egypt as a technological hub for the region, Minister Amr Talaat has unveiled its new national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI).

Planned under the slogan “Artificial Intelligence for Development and Prosperity,” it aims to utilize AI technology to achieve Egypt’s development goals and drive economic growth.

This is within the ministry’s framework of building a strong and sustainable industry in the field of artificial intelligence.

The minister added that these efforts have contributed to advancing Egypt’s ranking of 55 on the Government AI Readiness Index in 2020 by Oxford Insights and the International Research Development Centre.

Talaat expects an increase in reliance on AI applications and solutions in government sectors in the next three years.

This reliance comes in light of the projects being implemented to achieve digital transformation and implement the government’s transition plan to the New Administrative Capital (NAC).

The minister’s statement came during his speech at the opening of the 25th World Artificial Intelligence (AI) Show, which Egypt is hosting for the first time.

The conference is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It has been organized by Trescon Global, in cooperation with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA).

Under the slogan “Maintaining AI Ecosystem in Egypt,” the conference aims to explore the AI market in Egypt, and adapt its applications to meet the challenges resulting from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In attendance are some of the most prominent information technology experts in the fields of AI and machine learning, as well as senior executives and consultants. 

Talaat stated that Egypt’s hosting of this conference comes in conjunction with the serious steps taken by the country to implement the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. 

It is an important component in building up the country Egypt to ensure its transformation into a digital society. This would take place through the digitization of work systems in institutions to improve the efficiency of services and to ensure they are provided in a more transparent manner.

It would also enable community members to handle technology efficiently. In addition, Egypt will be a producer and exporter of technology, which can contribute to achieving economic growth through innovation and technological progress.

 Talaat indicated that the communications and information technology (CIT) sector is the highest growth sector in the country for the second year in a row. The sector’s growth rate is expected to reach 16 percent during the current fiscal year, whilst its employment rates have grown by 20 percent over the past three years.

The CIT sector’s contribution to Egypt’s GDP has also jumped by about 40 percent since 2018.