Egypt’s Communications Ministry, France’s Thales sign MoU to develop apps, build capacity in AI

CAIRO - 17 March 2021: Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat witnessed on Tuesday the signing of an MoU between the ministry and France’s Thales, to cooperate in developing Artificial Intelligence-powered applications in different realms.

The MoU also includes cooperation in building capacity and encouraging innovation and research in Artificial Intelligence.

Several joint projects will be implemented to support the AI industry in Egypt, as per the MoU. Areas of cooperation between the ministry and the French leading company will include supporting developing AI-powered applications in smart cities, transportation, digital government and smart infrastructure.

“Cooperation will also include conducting joint research on AI ethics, and working to establish a common stance for the two sides towards AI-related issues through organizing public awareness campaigns and programs to educate people on topics related to the opportunities and risks posed by AI and data privacy,” the ministry said in a statement.

Talaat affirmed Egypt’s keenness on using emerging technologies and developing the domestic technology.

Cairo’s cooperation with France’s Thales Group spots light on the strategic partnership between Egypt and France in the field of artificial intelligence, the minister added.

This is the sixth agreement of its kind with French partners in 18 months, Talaat said, expressing hope for further cooperation between Cairo and Paris in the AI field.

Egyptian Ambassador to France Alaa Youssef lauded the efforts exerted by Egypt to upgrade its artificial intelligence technology.

He underscored the importance of Egypt-France cooperation to exchange knowledge in the AI technology, asserting the Egyptian embassy’s readiness to back efforts meant to bolster bilateral relations in the field of advanced technologies.

Meanwhile, French Ambassador in Cairo Stephane Romatet commended Egypt’s efforts to implement its national artificial intelligence strategy, noting that France attaches great importance to the AI sector.

On that score, Romatet said he is looking forward to more cooperation between the Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Thales Group.

Additional reporting by MENA