Egypt has announced its ambition to play a central role in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) for public good across the Middle East and Africa, backed by a comprehensive national strategy for AI-driven transformation. The announcement was made by Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, ahead of the upcoming Ai Everything MEA event, set to take place in Egypt in February 2026.
The event will be hosted by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), and GITEX GLOBAL, underscoring Egypt’s growing prominence in the global technology landscape.
“AI is rapidly transforming the architecture of global competitiveness, and Egypt is determined not only to adapt but to shape this shift,” Talaat said. “Our National AI Strategy reflects a bold vision: to position Egypt as a leading force in responsible AI adoption, policy innovation, and inclusive development.”
National Contest to Foster Digital Talent
In parallel with its AI strategy, MCIT has launched a major national technology contest called Digitopia, which has already attracted over 25,000 participants. Open to youth and entrepreneurs aged 10 to 35, the competition includes tracks in AI and software solutions, digital arts and gaming, and cybersecurity.
The contest offers total prizes exceeding $205,000 (EGP 10 million), with the top award valued at $20,500 (EGP 1 million). More than 6,500 teams have registered, reflecting the strong appetite among Egyptian youth to innovate and contribute to the digital economy.
Driving Inclusive AI Development
By aligning national talent initiatives with its AI roadmap, Egypt aims to position itself as a hub for responsible AI development, ensuring that new technologies support sustainable growth, inclusivity, and policy leadership across the Middle East and Africa.
The twin announcements mark a significant step in Egypt’s broader ambition to integrate advanced technologies into governance, business, and education while nurturing a new generation of innovators equipped to thrive in the AI era.
