CAIRO - 10 December 2024: Egypt will roll out the second edition of its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy at the beginning of 2025, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, announced during the AI and Digital Transformation summit.
The updated strategy seeks to deepen AI integration across sectors, address societal challenges, expand training programs for specialized talent, and enhance computational infrastructure for both government and private entities, including startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Minister Talaat stressed the importance of data governance in maximizing AI’s benefits while safeguarding privacy. He noted that striking a balance between data accessibility and protection is essential to leveraging AI effectively and mitigating potential risks.
In his address, Talaat underscored the transformative power of AI, which has moved beyond being a niche concern for IT professionals to becoming a global focal point across industries. He highlighted how modern computational capabilities have turned theoretical algorithms into practical innovations, leading to rapid adoption. Talaat cited generative AI technologies as a prime example, achieving 100 million users in just one week, a stark contrast to the decades required for earlier technologies like television and personal computers to reach similar milestones.
While acknowledging AI's ability to drive profound transformation, Talaat also pointed out its challenges, including data neutrality, the displacement of jobs, and the necessity of evolving skills to match labor market demands.
Egypt’s advancements in AI began with the establishment of the National AI Council in 2019, which crafted the country’s inaugural AI strategy. This initiative focused on raising awareness of AI's capabilities, training specialized talent, and applying AI to address societal challenges. Efforts included the launch of the Applied Innovation Center for research and development in AI-based solutions across health, agriculture, and water resource management.
Collaborations with the Ministry of Higher Education have also established AI-focused faculties and programs in universities, further boosting the country’s expertise. These measures have propelled Egypt’s standing on the global AI readiness index, with the nation climbing 50 positions in the past five years.
Teradata’s Senior Vice President for Emerging Markets commended Egypt’s expanding AI ecosystem, highlighting the country's pool of skilled young professionals in AI and data analytics. The company expressed interest in expanding operations in Egypt, emphasizing the region's growing importance in the AI landscape.
Comments
Leave a Comment