In a strategic move to advance Egypt’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2025-2030, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and Microsoft Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train 100,000 youth and government employees in cutting-edge AI technologies. The collaboration is part of Egypt’s broader digital transformation plan, aimed at leveraging AI to enhance governmental efficiency, foster innovation, and accelerate socio-economic development.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Eng. Mirna Aref, General Manager of Microsoft Egypt, with the presence of senior officials from both the Egyptian Ministry and Microsoft.
Strategic Vision for Egypt’s AI Future
Eng. Mirna Aref, who has been at the helm of Microsoft’s operations in Egypt, plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s approach to technological empowerment and digital transformation in the country. She emphasized that the partnership reflects Microsoft’s long-standing commitment to advancing AI education and digital skills development to ensure Egypt’s workforce is future-ready.
“This collaboration is not just about training a large number of individuals in AI,” Aref said. “It’s about building a sustainable ecosystem where innovation thrives, and where AI is used responsibly and strategically to enhance the public sector, create new business opportunities, and foster socio-economic growth.”
The initiative is aligned with the Egyptian government’s AI Strategy 2025-2030, which aims to position Egypt as a leading player in the global AI landscape. Aref highlighted that Microsoft’s commitment goes beyond providing technical tools and platforms; it is about cultivating a culture of ethical AI use and capacity building, which is crucial for the country’s digital and economic development.
Building AI Capabilities for Youth and Government Employees
The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for training 100,000 young professionals and government employees in AI technologies. Microsoft will offer tailored training modules designed to meet the specific needs of various groups, ensuring that participants gain hands-on experience with AI tools and technologies that will directly impact their work. Additionally, the agreement includes train-the-trainer programs to enable local experts to scale the initiative and extend its reach across Egypt.
The partnership aims to equip participants with essential AI skills, from machine learning to data analytics, enabling them to drive innovation and efficiency in their respective sectors. According to Dr. Talaat, this initiative is a key component of Egypt’s broader efforts to integrate digital transformation into all aspects of governance and public service delivery.
“AI is a cornerstone of Egypt’s digital future,” Dr. Talaat said during the signing ceremony. “This collaboration with Microsoft will help accelerate our efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of leveraging AI to improve public sector performance and contribute to Egypt’s economic growth.”
A Strong Focus on Responsible AI Use
As part of the collaboration, Microsoft will also provide guidance on responsible AI usage, ensuring that the adoption of AI technologies is aligned with global ethical standards. The initiative includes organizing workshops and seminars to raise awareness about AI governance, data privacy, and the ethical implications of AI applications in both government and business contexts.
Aref stressed the importance of responsible AI practices, particularly as Egypt ramps up its digital transformation. She emphasized that AI, when used correctly, has the potential to create significant societal benefits, but it is essential to ensure that these technologies are deployed in a way that respects privacy and promotes fairness.
Strengthening Egypt’s Digital Ecosystem
This partnership also includes consulting services from Microsoft to help government agencies identify AI-driven solutions that can enhance productivity and efficiency across various sectors, such as healthcare, education, and transportation. The agreement is designed to support the government in its ongoing efforts to digitize public services and create a more efficient, transparent, and accessible government infrastructure.
Aref noted that the collaboration would contribute to the empowerment of Egypt’s public sector employees, enabling them to harness the power of AI to improve service delivery and boost productivity. By embedding AI solutions within government operations, the initiative aims to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy, ultimately benefiting Egyptian citizens.
AI Governance and Global Standards
Aref also highlighted the importance of collaborating on AI governance and regulatory frameworks, both at the national and international levels. The MoU outlines plans to create a multi-stakeholder dialogue on AI governance, bringing together public and private sector leaders to establish frameworks that can ensure the responsible use of AI across various sectors.
A Step Toward a Knowledge-Based Economy
The AI Strategy 2025-2030 is a central element of Egypt’s broader vision to transition to a knowledge-based economy, leveraging digital technologies to boost competitiveness and productivity. By upskilling Egypt’s workforce in AI, the country aims to create a thriving digital economy that is capable of competing on the global stage.
Aref concluded by reaffirming Microsoft’s dedication to supporting Egypt’s digital future: “We are proud to be part of Egypt’s journey toward a brighter, more innovative future. By investing in the skills of Egypt’s youth and government employees, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable digital economy—one that is inclusive, responsible, and ready to thrive in the age of AI.”
