Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in partnership with UNESCO, has launched the first phase of its National AI Readiness Evaluation (RAM), aimed at assessing the country’s preparedness to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in a sustainable and responsible manner.
The launch of the consultations marks the beginning of a series of national discussions with key stakeholders across four key areas where AI is expected to play a central role: policies and regulations, cultural and social impact, scientific research and infrastructure, and the economic landscape. The consultations bring together government officials, private sector representatives, academics, civil society groups, and young entrepreneurs to share their insights and collaborate on the next steps.
Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, opened the event with a speech emphasizing the country’s long-standing commitment to AI since 2019. Talaat outlined Egypt’s strategic efforts to train a skilled workforce, establish AI-focused academic programs, and foster innovation through a network of applied research centers. Notably, Egypt has already launched more than 12 AI-focused faculties in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, and has created the Egypt University of Informatics, Africa’s first university dedicated to information and communication technology.
“The application of AI must be ethical, balancing the need for innovation with the protection of personal data,” Dr. Talaat stated. He emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive AI ecosystem that aligns with international best practices while ensuring that Egypt’s AI technologies are used responsibly across different sectors, from healthcare to agriculture.
Dr. Talaat also highlighted the launch of the second phase of Egypt’s National AI Strategy (2025-2030), which focuses on six main pillars: expanding computing infrastructure, promoting data access while ensuring privacy, scaling up AI training programs, developing AI applications in various fields, raising public awareness of AI, and strengthening governance structures.
The Minister stressed that AI’s transformative power must be harnessed in ways that benefit society while mitigating any ethical or technical challenges that may arise. He noted that Egypt has made significant strides in global AI rankings, moving up by 50 spots between 2020 and 2024, and has been actively involved in regional and international AI forums, including leading the Arab and African AI groups within the African Union.
Dr. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, underscored the importance of legal frameworks that regulate AI’s impact on society. “This initiative is a cornerstone of our work. It’s essential to ensure that AI development aligns with national priorities while addressing global challenges,” Ramos stated.
Dr. Nuria Sanz, Director of the UNESCO Cairo Office, also commented on the significance of the consultations, noting that they represent the first step in fostering a closer collaboration between Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and UNESCO’s Cairo office. She emphasized that ethics will be the central theme in shaping the future of AI in Egypt, ensuring that the technology serves humanity and meets the needs of society in a responsible manner.
As part of this effort, Egypt is working closely with UNESCO to evaluate and enhance the legal and policy frameworks governing AI in the country as outlined in UNESCO’s recommendations on AI ethics.
The National AI Readiness Evaluation (RAM) is an important milestone for Egypt, positioning the country as a leader in responsible AI adoption within the Middle East and North Africa region.
