• The MICT forum focused on Egypt’s National AI Strategy (2025-2030) to support entrepreneurship and technology investment.
• ITIDA and 500 Global collaborate to foster AI startups, offering training and support to address skill shortages.
• Minister Dr. Talaat emphasized building AI infrastructure, talent, and regulatory frameworks to strengthen Egypt’s AI ecosystem.

MICT Forum

What happened? The Minister of Communications Information Technology (MICT) Dr Amr Talaat attended the “Shaping Egypt AI Horizon”  forum. The forum was organized by the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) in collaboration with 500 Global at the Creativa Innovation Hub in Giza.

The event was attended by AI industry professionals, venture capital founders, company representatives and officials from various sectors involved in AI. Additionally, the event was attended by entrepreneurs and startups.

What was the aim of the forum? The forum was part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s (MICT) efforts to discuss the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025-2030) with the private sector and all relevant entities. Furthermore, this was to highlight the importance of strategy in supporting entrepreneurship and investment in these technologies.

In his speech, Dr Amr Talaat reiterated the ministry’s commitment to holding regular meetings with stakeholders in the ICT sector. This is to understand their needs given the growing vital role of AI in different sectors. 

Additionally, the Minister notes that the forum aims to create a dialogue between the elements of Egypt’’s AI ecosystem. This includes government, startups, SMEs, civil society, private sector companies, and representatives form AI-driven sectors.

What are the pillars of the AI strategy? Dr. Amr Talaat highlighted the six pillar of Egypt’s National AI Strategy (2025-2030): 

• Computing infrastructure to support AI model training.
• Data governance ensuring AI accessibility and responsible use.
• AI-powered systems for real-world applications.
• AI talent and capacity-building to meet market needs.
• Regulatory frameworks for AI ethics and policies.
• Ecosystem growth connecting startups, enterprises, and investors.

ITIDA and 500 Global

What is ITIDA’s role? Engineer Ahmed Alzaher explained that the agency is working on connecting all stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This includes government, startups, investors and companies in order to explore collaboration opportunities, discover AI applications, and understand market needs.

ITIDA aims to develop its program in order to keep pace with evolving needs. They offer training in software engineering, AI tools, and responsible use, alongside internationally recognized certifications.

ITIDA has engaged with 37 startups focusing on challenges related to the shortage of specialized skills. Moreover, the ministry and its affiliates are addressing these shortages through advanced training programs. 

What is 500 Global’s role? Ms Amal Anan, Managing Partner at 500 Global, explained that the forum aims to foster discussion between local and global AI companies. She added that 500 Global is expanding its investments in collaboration with ITIDA. Furthermore, the firm has a specific focus on integrating AI into startup activities

MICT’s AI Commitment Dr. Hoda Baraka, Advisor to the ICT Minister, emphasized the government’s efforts in building AI capabilities and integrating AI solutions into key sectors. She emphasized that the key objectives of the second phase of the National AI Strategy includes training 30,000 AI specialists. Additionally, it includes enabling 26% of Egypt’s workforce to use AI tools and increasing AI adoption by 36% to its citizens.