Egypt and Italy are stepping up efforts to forge a strategic partnership in artificial intelligence, following high-level talks held in Rome between Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, and Italy’s Minister of Enterprises, Adolfo Urso.
The bilateral meeting, also attended by Egypt’s Ambassador to Italy, Bassam Rady, focused on enhancing collaboration across a broad spectrum of AI applications.
The discussion built upon earlier engagements from Urso’s visit to Cairo in April 2024, when both countries laid the groundwork for closer cooperation in AI infrastructure and innovation.
Talaat presented the core pillars of Egypt’s updated National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, now in its second edition. He highlighted its priorities: strengthening digital capabilities, establishing robust AI governance frameworks, promoting innovation and research, and intensifying international partnerships.
He stressed Egypt’s ambition to position itself as a key player in the regional AI landscape, leveraging homegrown talent and policy reforms.
Urso, for his part, outlined Italy’s recent initiatives to foster a dynamic AI startup ecosystem.
He drew particular attention to an international initiative launched during Italy’s presidency of the G7 in 2024—the creation of an AI Center for Sustainable Development. The project is designed to facilitate the use of AI technologies in driving sustainable growth across Africa.
The Italian minister expressed appreciation for Egypt’s active engagement in the initiative, thanking the Ministry of Communications for nominating a representative to serve on the center’s executive committee. He also reaffirmed Italy’s interest in bolstering both bilateral and regional partnerships in the AI domain.
“This collaboration opens new avenues not just for technological advancement, but for shared progress across the Mediterranean and the African continent,” Urso said.
Talaat’s visit, held at Urso’s invitation, also included meetings with leading Italian tech companies and institutions. The discussions aimed to expand investment opportunities in Egypt’s growing communications and IT sectors and to encourage knowledge exchange in digital transformation strategies.
As both countries work to align their digital futures, the strengthening of AI ties marks a pivotal moment in Euro-African technology cooperation—offering a glimpse of how innovation can be harnessed to shape more inclusive and sustainable development.
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