Egypt is rapidly strengthening its position as a regional digital leader, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainability. According to international quality and sustainability expert Mohamed El-Lethey, AI is now central to Egypt’s economic transition, with its contribution to GDP expected to reach 7.7% by 2030.
The country’s AI market has risen to nearly $490 million, up from $420 million two years earlier, reflecting annual growth of more than 12%. This surge is supported by over EGP 13 billion in strategic investments aimed at expanding digital infrastructure, nurturing talent, and increasing the number of AI startups from roughly 150 to 250 by 2030.
AI’s impact is already reshaping multiple sectors. In agriculture, precision technologies boost water efficiency and crop yields. In energy, smart grids enhance the integration of renewables. Urban systems are increasingly powered by real-time data, advancing smarter and more sustainable cities.
Cybersecurity remains a critical pillar as the digital economy grows. Egypt’s cybersecurity market surpassed $220 million in 2025, also expanding at an annual rate above 12%. AI-enabled security tools now achieve detection accuracies above 98% in live IoT environments, lowering recovery costs and protecting national infrastructure.
Sustainability efforts complement digital progress. Renewables contribute around 20% of Egypt’s energy mix, industrial energy intensity has declined, and the country’s Human Development Index approaches 0.75. AI-powered environmental monitoring systems support better water, waste, and resource management, enabling more resilient and sustainable growth.
El-Lethey warned that digital illiteracy—especially an inability to use AI—could become one of the most significant future barriers to inclusion. He called for nationwide measures such as embedding AI literacy in school curricula, establishing community learning hubs, launching “AI Ambassador” mentorship programmes, and running national awareness campaigns to promote ethical and accessible AI adoption.
He stressed that strengthening AI and cybersecurity capabilities will unlock synergistic benefits, enhancing efficiency, securing critical systems, and attracting investment. He urged Egypt to continue expanding technical education, supporting startups, and building cross-sector partnerships to meet emerging challenges and accelerate innovation.
El-Lethey concluded that Egypt’s integrated approach to AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability positions the nation at the forefront of global economic transformation—provided that decisive action continues now.
