The National Council for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), chaired by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat, has convened to discuss AI governance efforts to ensure the optimal use of AI and leverage its potential to drive the desired economic and social development.
Members of the Council and experts in different economic and technological fields attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the implementation plan of the Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI was reviewed, showcasing Egypt’s commitment to applying responsible AI principles in line with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) AI Principles, international standards, and best practices from leading countries. The Charter aims to boost Egypt’s investment appeal, guide AI developers, and empower citizens to demand ethical practices in AI applications.
Furthermore, the Charter aligns with international principles while adapting to the Egyptian context, prioritizing human-centeredness as the core focus, alongside accountability, fairness, safety and security, transparency, and explainability.
The implementation plan includes establishing a risk management framework, following international best practices, raising awareness, providing training, and building capacities for government agencies and companies. It also encompasses monitoring and guiding local companies developing AI applications in collaboration with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) while crafting priority sector-specific guidelines to direct AI implementation.
The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a responsible AI center dedicated to developing a framework that includes guidelines, toolkits, methods, and best practices to promote the adoption of responsible AI within the Egyptian industry. The center will also focus on creating guidelines and standards for classifying AI system risks, identifying and evaluating the AI capabilities of stakeholders, developing criteria that AI systems must meet, and establishing procedures to ensure compliance with these criteria.
In addition, the center will offer training programs in responsible AI, support educational and scientific research initiatives in AI, and set workforce skill standards in AI. Other areas include in-depth research and analysis of AI technologies, trends, and ethical implications. The center will also forge partnerships with industry, academia, and civil society stakeholders, promoting dialogue and collaboration on responsible AI-related issues and fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange with relevant international organizations and similar entities worldwide.
Moreover, the meeting explored the draft AI law, which aims to govern AI systems in a way that reinforces the Egyptian national identity, supports and encourages AI companies, particularly small and micro-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthens Egypt’s position in adopting AI technologies and engaging internationally in their development, thus contributing to achieving sustainable development.
During the meeting, the second phase of the National AI Strategy (2025-2030), scheduled for launch soon, was also underscored.
It is worth noting that NCAI was established by a decree issued by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in November 2019. Its primary responsibilities include developing and governing the National AI Strategy by coordinating with stakeholders to create a unified strategy that reflects the priorities of the government and stakeholders in AI usage. The Council is also tasked with overseeing the Strategy’s implementation, monitoring, and updating to align with global advancements.
