Egypt’s National AI Strategy 2019

In November 2019 the Egyptian Cabinet approved the publication of the National AI Strategy.

 This document outlines Egypt’s National AI Strategy, which aims to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support the country’s sustainable development goals and enhance its role in the global AI landscape. The strategy emphasizes the need for effective partnerships between government and private sectors to foster innovation, investment in research and development, and the development of human capital.

Table of Contents

  1. President’s Statement
    Page 2
  2. Background
    3.1 What is an AI System?
    3.2 AI Strategies and Initiatives around the World
    Page 6
  3. The Case for an AI Strategy
    4.1 SWOT Analysis
    Page 7
  4. AI for Development
    7.1 Agriculture, Water Management and Environment
    7.2 Healthcare
    7.3 Economic Planning and Growth
    7.4 Manufacturing and Smart Infrastructure Management
    7.5 Arabic Natural Language Processing
    7.6 Finance and Banking
    Page 8
  5. Human Capacity Building
    8.1 General Awareness
    8.2 Formal Education and Training
    8.3 Promoting AI Research in Egypt
    Page 12
  6. Implementation Methodology
    11.1 Implementation Framework
    11.2 Implementation Phases
    Page 11
  7. Phase 1: Implementation Plan
    12.1 EPE
    12.2 Operational Model
    12.3 Main Initiatives
    Page 12
  8. International Activities
    Page 13
  9. Monitoring and Evaluation
    13.1 Total Strategy Impact
    13.2 Strategy Thought Leadership
    13.3 Strategy Execution Effectiveness
    Page 14
  10. Conclusion and Next Steps
    Page 15

Chapter 1- Presidents Statement

In the President’s Statement, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi emphasizes Egypt’s commitment to embracing the digital era and leveraging advancements in technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance the nation’s economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens. He notes that the rapid development of technology presents both opportunities and challenges that necessitate strategic planning and execution.

The President mandates the National Council for Artificial Intelligence to develop a comprehensive national plan aimed at establishing an indigenous AI industry and enhancing Egypt’s role as a regional leader in this field. The strategy focuses on fostering partnerships between the government and private sectors, thus creating an environment conducive to innovation and digital transformation.

Key elements of the strategy include:

  1. Investment in Research and Development (R&D): Encouraging investment in AI technologies and raising awareness about their significance.
  2. Human Capacity Building: Developing a skilled workforce capable of creating AI applications that align with national needs and priorities.
  3. International Cooperation: Promoting dialogue with stakeholders and fostering international collaborations to share best practices and establish strong positions on AI ethics and its socio-economic impacts, particularly within the African Union and the League of Arab States.
  4. Commitment to Implementation: The President expresses confidence in Egypt’s capability to mobilize resources to translate the strategy into actionable plans that yield tangible results.

Chapter 2 -Executive Summary

The Executive Summary outlines Egypt’s National AI Strategy, which was approved by the Cabinet in November 2019, leading to the establishment of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI). The Council’s primary objective is to formalize and govern the implementation of this strategy, which reflects collaborative efforts among various government ministries, independent experts, and the private sector.

The strategy is driven by the recognition of AI’s potential to positively impact economies globally and specifically within Egypt. It emphasizes the importance of creating a conducive investment climate and upskilling the workforce to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating associated risks, such as unemployment.

Egypt’s vision is to leverage AI technologies to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance its economic competitiveness. The strategy identifies priority sectors for AI implementation in its first phase, including agriculture, healthcare, Arabic Natural Language Processing (NLP), economic planning, and smart infrastructure management. Key components of the strategy include:

  1. Integration of AI in Government Operations: The strategy aims to embed AI technologies to enhance efficiency and transparency in government services.
  2. Investment in AI Research and Innovation: It encourages public-private partnerships and collaboration with academic institutions to boost research, innovation, and talent development in AI.
  3. Education and Workforce Development: The strategy aims to prepare the Egyptian population for an AI-driven economy through general awareness programs, formal education, and professional training.
  4. Regional and International Cooperation: Egypt seeks to position itself as a regional hub for AI education and cooperation, representing African and Arab interests in international discussions on AI.
  5. Implementation Framework: The strategy outlines a phased approach, with the first phase focusing on pilot projects to demonstrate AI’s value across various sectors, while subsequent phases will expand the focus on additional sectors and deepen research efforts.

Overall, the Executive Summary underscores the commitment of the Egyptian government to ensure the successful implementation of the AI strategy, aiming for a robust AI industry that meets national needs and enhances the quality of life for its citizens.

Chapter 3-Background

provides a comprehensive understanding of AI systems, their evolution, and the global context of AI strategies, setting the stage for Egypt’s own national strategy. This context is crucial for identifying both opportunities and challenges as Egypt seeks to establish itself as a leader in AI within the region and globally.

Chapter 4-AI in Egypt

Egypt is actively pursuing the development and implementation of a National AI Strategy to harness the potential of artificial intelligence for economic growth and social development. The strategy aims to position Egypt as a leader in AI within the Arab and African regions while ensuring that the benefits of AI technologies are accessible to all Egyptians.

The Egyptian government recognizes the importance of AI in advancing human knowledge and technical capabilities, particularly in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Through initiatives led by the National Council for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), Egypt is fostering partnerships between government, private sectors, and academia to stimulate innovation and build a robust AI ecosystem.

The National AI Strategy is built on four main pillars:

  1. AI for Government – Enhancing the efficiency and transparency of government operations through AI.
  2. AI for Development – Applying AI in key economic sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing to drive growth and improve competitiveness.
  3. Capacity Building – Developing human capital by promoting AI education and training at various levels, from schools to universities.
  4. International Activities – Fostering regional and international cooperation on AI initiatives.

The strategy also includes a comprehensive plan for human capacity building, focusing on increasing public awareness of AI, enhancing formal education, and promoting AI research. Challenges such as brain drain of AI talent and slow adoption by the private sector are recognized, and efforts are being made to address these issues.

Overall, Egypt’s approach to AI emphasizes responsible use, ethical considerations, and the potential for AI to contribute to sustainable development goals. The strategy is seen as a vital component in transforming Egypt into a digital economy, with significant investments in research, education, and infrastructure to support the growth of the AI sector 

Chapter 5- Strategy Overview

Chapter 5 of the document focuses on the “Strategy Overview” of Egypt’s National AI Strategy. It outlines the vision and mission, which aim to utilize AI technologies to support the achievement of Egypt’s sustainable development goals and to establish Egypt as a key player in the regional and international AI landscape.

The chapter identifies several key pillars and enablers that will support the strategy:

  1. Pillars:
    • AI for Government (AI4G): Embedding AI technologies in government operations to enhance efficiency and transparency.
    • AI for Development (AI4D): Applying AI in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and economic planning to drive economic growth and address local challenges.
    • Human Capacity Building: Preparing the Egyptian workforce for the AI age through education and training at all levels.
    • International Activities: Fostering cooperation and representing Arab and African interests in global discussions on AI.
  2. Enablers:
    • Governance: Establishing laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines for AI usage.
    • Data: Developing strategies for data collection, management, and monetization.
    • Ecosystem: Creating partnerships between the private sector, academia, and civil society to support AI development.
    • Infrastructure: Ensuring access to technology resources necessary for AI implementation.

The chapter emphasizes the need for a phased implementation approach, with Phase 1 focusing on training, pilot projects, and establishing the groundwork for AI applications in various sectors. The National Council for AI (NCAI) is tasked with overseeing the implementation and monitoring the progress of the strategy 

Chapter 6- AI for Government

AI for Government (AI4G) focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence to transform public services and enhance government operations. The strategy aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and the quality of services delivered to citizens by embedding AI technologies into government processes.

Key objectives of AI4G include:

  1. Improving Decision-Making: AI can provide timely analytics and insights to support better decision-making in areas such as procurement and resource allocation.
  2. Automation: AI technologies can automate routine tasks, freeing up resources for more strategic initiatives and enhancing the overall efficiency of government operations.
  3. Enhancing Citizen Engagement: Through AI, governments can better understand citizen needs and feedback, resulting in improved public services and increased citizen satisfaction.
  4. Implementing Pilot Projects: The strategy emphasizes the implementation of pilot projects across various government sectors to demonstrate the effectiveness of AI and identify best practices for broader application.
  5. Capacity Building: Training government employees in AI tools and methods is crucial for successful implementation, ensuring that staff can effectively leverage these technologies in their daily operations.

Challenges to implementing AI in government include data quality and availability, skills gaps among employees, and the need for clear governance and ethical guidelines. The strategy also highlights the importance of collaboration among government entities, private sector partners, and research institutions to foster an environment conducive to AI innovation and application

Chapter 7- AI for development

he “AI for Development” section outlines the potential applications and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors in Egypt, emphasizing the importance of using AI to address developmental challenges and enhance economic growth.

Key areas identified for AI implementation include:

  1. Agriculture: AI can optimize crop yields through data analysis of environmental conditions, improve pest and disease management, and enhance farming efficiency while reducing environmental costs. The focus is on partnerships for co-development projects that address climate impact and enhance agricultural productivity.
  2. Healthcare: AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enabling early disease detection, improving patient care, and managing chronic diseases. Specific applications include AI-assisted diagnostics, chronic disease management, and mental health support. The goal is to integrate AI into healthcare systems to improve access and outcomes, particularly in underserved areas.
  3. Economic Planning and Growth: AI can assist in economic forecasting, enabling better responses to economic downturns and aiding in strategic planning. It can generate insights from macro and microeconomic data, helping to identify growth opportunities and optimize resource allocation.
  4. Manufacturing and Smart Infrastructure Management: AI can enhance manufacturing processes through predictive maintenance and automation, improving efficiency and reducing costs. It can also be applied in urban planning and infrastructure management to streamline operations and enhance service delivery.

Chapter 8 – Human Capacity Building

Chapter 8 of the document focuses on “Human Capacity Building” in relation to Egypt’s AI strategy, highlighting the importance of developing skills and knowledge to support AI adoption effectively. It discusses several key areas:

  1. General Awareness: Emphasizes the need to raise public awareness about AI, its uses, benefits, risks, and limitations, particularly among those with limited formal education. This includes creating easily consumable content such as short videos and interactive games to educate the general public 20.
  2. Formal Education and Training: Advocates for integrating AI education into school curricula, particularly during preparatory and secondary years. This involves teaching the fundamentals of AI in a fun and accessible manner, as well as introducing AI courses at the university level. It also suggests specialized programs for graduates and professionals to close the skill gap in AI 20 – 21.
  3. Upskilling Professionals: Discusses the need for ongoing education and specialized training for professionals already in the workforce, particularly in IT-related jobs. The focus should be on upskilling programs that allow these professionals to specialize in AI system development 22.
  4. Promoting AI Research: Encourages the establishment of a framework for applied research in AI that addresses Egypt’s specific challenges and needs, while also fostering basic research to enhance the country’s global scientific standing 22.

Overall, the chapter emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to human capacity building, aiming to ensure Egypt has the necessary skills and knowledge to harness the potential of AI effectively. The focus is on creating a comprehensive educational ecosystem that prepares students, professionals, and the general public to engage with AI technologies

Chapter 9 -International Activities

The summary of international activities outlined in Egypt’s National AI Strategy highlights the country’s commitment to fostering cooperation on regional and international levels in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Key points include:

  1. Regional Leadership: Egypt aims to unify African and Arab voices on AI-related issues, actively participating in international discussions and initiatives. This includes proposing working groups within organizations like the African Union (AU) and the League of Arab States (LAS) to develop unified AI strategies.
  2. Global Engagement: The strategy emphasizes Egypt’s intention to engage in global AI ethics and socio-economic discussions, promoting responsible AI development that benefits society.
  3. Bilateral Cooperation: Egypt seeks to strengthen bilateral relationships with various countries to exchange experiences and best practices, facilitating collaborative projects of mutual interest.
  4. Capacity Building Programs: There is a focus on establishing regional capacity-building initiatives and joint AI strategies to bridge innovation and industrialization gaps.
  5. International Competitions: Egypt plans to organize competitions to encourage AI development and innovation among startups and researchers, positioning itself as a leader in AI for development.
  6. Knowledge Transfer: The country recognizes the importance of sharing knowledge and technology through a network of relationships with relevant international entities to support its AI objectives.

Overall, the international activities section of the strategy emphasizes Egypt’s ambition to be a key player in the global AI landscape 

Chapter 10-  Strategy Enablers

The Strategy Enablers in Egypt’s National AI Strategy consist of four key components that support the overall implementation of the AI framework:

  1. Governance: This includes establishing ethical guidelines, laws, and regulations to ensure responsible AI development and usage. It also involves tracking and monitoring AI initiatives to maintain accountability.
  2. Data: This aspect focuses on the strategies for data collection, management, and monetization. It emphasizes the importance of having high-quality, accessible data to fuel AI applications effectively.
  3. Ecosystem: This enabler encompasses collaboration among the private sector, research institutions, academia, and civil society to foster a conducive environment for AI innovation and development.
  4. Infrastructure: It highlights the need for equitable access to essential technological resources such as computing power, storage, and networking capabilities necessary for AI implementation.

Together, these enablers create a robust foundation for the successful execution of AI initiatives in Egypt, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of the strategy.

Chapter 11-Implementation Methodology

The implementation methodology for Egypt’s National AI Strategy follows a structured approach known as the “Execute, Plan, Explore” (EPE) framework. This framework is designed to facilitate the effective adoption and integration of AI across various sectors in Egypt.

  1. Explore Phase: This initial phase focuses on identifying potential AI use cases and projects. Committees consisting of business experts, academics, and potential beneficiaries will evaluate different themes based on feasibility, scalability, readiness of technology, talent availability, time to market, and funding. The goal is to build roadmaps and policies for AI implementation.
  2. Plan Phase: In this phase, selected projects from the Explore phase will undergo experimentation to confirm their value. This involves problem classification, data acquisition, data preprocessing, modeling, and validating the chosen AI solutions. Successful models are then prepared for execution.
  3. Execute Phase: Projects that have proven their value in the Plan phase will be implemented in real-world settings. This phase includes onboarding government entities and businesses to AI solutions, ensuring operational integration, and ongoing monitoring of performance. Adoption strategies will focus on building internal capabilities within organizations to effectively use AI technologies.

Overall, the methodology emphasizes collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

Chapter 12- Implementation Plan

 The implementation plan for Egypt’s National AI Strategy is structured into three phases, following an “Execute, Plan, Explore” (EPE) framework.

  1. Phase 1: Prove the Value (2020-2022) – The primary focus is on demonstrating the value of AI across various sectors. Key initiatives include:
    • Identifying and prototyping AI use cases in government, especially related to the New Administrative Capital.
    • Launching pilot projects in strategic sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and smart infrastructure management.
    • Building capacity through training programs targeting graduates and professionals, as well as general public awareness initiatives.
    • Establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) to ensure quality and standardization in AI projects, while also fostering partnerships with local and foreign tech entities.
  2. Phase 2: Focus on Research and Expand the Market (2022-2025) – This phase emphasizes identifying additional key sectors for AI implementation, including education and financial services. It aims to scale up successful pilot projects from Phase 1 and enhance AI education and research capabilities in universities.
  3. Phase 3: Expand Research and Grow the Ecosystem (2025-2030) – The focus here will be on strengthening research capabilities, linking academia with industry, and creating a robust ecosystem for AI development. This phase will prioritize producing high-end data scientists and machine learning researchers while ensuring that AI literacy is widespread across different societal levels.

Throughout these phases, specific initiatives and key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established to measure progress and effectiveness, ensuring that AI adoption leads to tangible benefits for the Egyptian economy and society.

Chapter 13- Monitoring and Evaluation

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) section of Egypt’s National AI Strategy emphasizes the importance of continuously assessing the strategy’s impact and progress to ensure effective implementation. The M&E framework is designed to track three main areas:

  1. Total Strategy Impact: This includes measuring the overall contribution of AI to Egypt’s GDP, with estimates indicating a direct impact of $42.7 billion USD by 2030, representing 7.7% of GDP. It also assesses the incremental value driven by AI adoption across various industries.
  2. Strategy Thought Leadership: This aspect focuses on Egypt’s representation and influence in global AI discussions, including participation in international events, number of research publications, and the establishment of advanced research centers. It aims to position Egypt as a regional hub for AI research and development.
  3. Strategy Execution Effectiveness: This involves evaluating the effectiveness of AI adoption initiatives by monitoring the execution of projects, the number of entities onboarded, impact assessments for each deployment, and the overall efficiency in implementing AI solutions. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be established to track progress in these areas.

The M&E process will utilize both quantitative and qualitative metrics to benchmark the strategy’s progress and ensure that it aligns with the intended goals and objectives.