Egypt is taking significant steps towards the future by collaborating with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to create a national artificial intelligence strategy. This initiative, as outlined by Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rostom, is designed to steer the use of AI and other emerging technologies over the next five years, ensuring that they benefit the economy and society as a whole.
Framework for Responsible AI Adoption
During his address at the 15th AIM Investment Summit in Dubai, Rostom emphasized the need for a structured framework that will guide the responsible integration of artificial intelligence across various economic sectors. This strategy aims not only to maximize the economic and social rewards associated with AI but also to elevate public awareness about its potential. By standardizing government systems and enhancing data security and efficiency, the initiative seeks to create a robust environment for technological adoption.
Rostom underscored the pressing requirement for clear regulations that foster transparency and accountability. As AI technology rapidly evolves, the establishment of effective governance frameworks becomes crucial. Additionally, he stressed the importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures to address the potential risks associated with the growing interaction between algorithms and digital systems.
Boosting Manufacturing Competitiveness
With advanced technology increasingly viewed as a crucial driver for industrial competitiveness and investment, Egypt aims to expand its manufacturing base and attract more capital into sectors that offer higher value. Rostom reported that the manufacturing sector has exhibited positive growth for 19 consecutive periods, contributing approximately 1.1 percentage points to a 5.1 percent growth rate for the fiscal year 2025/2026.
He highlighted specific areas such as textiles, automotive manufacturing, and value-added services, which present promising opportunities for both local and foreign investment. This focus aligns with Egypt’s broader ambitions to intensify industrialization efforts and enhance the contribution of productive sectors to overall economic growth.
Empowering the Workforce with AI
Despite the potential of AI in transforming manufacturing, Rostom emphasized that its integration should serve to complement human labor rather than replace it. He articulated the need for workers to be trained to operate and supervise advanced technologies, ensuring they maintain control over the production outputs. Investment in human capital is deemed essential for transforming technological advancements into sustainable economic benefits.
For this reason, Rostom called for modernization in education and training initiatives, suggesting increased university investment in science and technology fields and more extensive access to digital skills training. He cautioned that failing to upskill the workforce in tandem with technological progress could exacerbate the digital divide and lead to significant employment challenges in the future.
In conclusion, as Egypt embarks on its digital transformation journey, it is essential that efforts to integrate artificial intelligence are harmonized with initiatives to educate and upskill the workforce. By doing so, the nation can ensure that the benefits of AI and advanced technologies are maximized for both the economy and its citizens.