The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in Egypt signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global technology leader Thales to explore the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country, across various industries.
The MCIT aims to fortify the AI industry in Egypt and develop local skills, technology, infrastructure, and governance mechanisms to ensure its sustainability and competitiveness through its National AI Strategy. Leveraging Thales’ vision to develop sovereign capabilities through local innovation, education, and industry, common projects will be identified to strengthen Egypt's role as a regional leader and active global player in AI. Both seek to implement applications in fields such as ground transportation, e-government, mobility, and smart infrastructure.
In a bid to accelerate innovation, the two entities will explore the impact of AI on government, jobs, education, and the digital divide. Alongside a joint research, general awareness campaigns and programs to educate the public on the opportunities and risks posed by AI and data privacy will be launched.
Thales and MCIT will also work closely with start-ups and organize hackathons to advance the professional development of local talents and enhance local capability.
Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology said: “Egypt is keen on adopting and developing emerging technologies. This collaboration, which leverages AI for the benefit of citizens, accelerates our efforts of building a digital Egypt.”
He also added: “The partnership with Thales is in line with the four pillars of the National AI Strategy, the first of which is capacity building, as we will collaborate in building the AI capabilities for the different segments of society. Additionally, we will also work on two more pillars, AI for Government (AI4G) and AI for Development (AI4D).”
Sherif Barakat, CEO of Thales in Egypt, said: “This MOU with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is an important milestone for Thales. The collaboration puts AI at the forefront of our joint projects, with an aim to provide smart and safe solutions and services for the smart cities of the future. The coming stage will focus on innovative solutions in fields such as ground transportation and e-government. Thales is committed to providing the best technologies and procedures in our joint projects.”