Egypt, Rwanda discuss strengthening cooperation on digital transformation

Raafat Hindi, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, received Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital capacity building, in the presence of Dan Munyuza, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Egypt.

The meeting explored cooperation on developing a shared African vision for artificial intelligence that is responsible, inclusive and development-focused, alongside the implementation of pilot projects based on AI technologies in a number of priority sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, local languages and government services, with the aim of delivering tangible and measurable outcomes.

The two sides also discussed establishing frameworks for cooperation between government entities, universities, research institutions and innovation centres in both countries, including the Egypt University of Informatics, the Applied Innovation Centre and the Information Technology Institute (ITI), as well as strengthening cooperation and the exchange of expertise in digital government.

The two ministries also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding in the coming period to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of communications and information technology.

During the meeting, Hindi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with African countries in the field of artificial intelligence and making the most of the opportunities offered by these technologies to support digital transformation efforts across the continent.

He highlighted Egypt’s efforts to advance African cooperation on AI through its participation in the African Union’s AI Working Group, as well as its contributions to the working groups of the AI Council under the Smart Africa Alliance.

Hindi expressed his aspiration to deepen cooperation with Rwanda in communications and information technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, and to work jointly to expand its applications in support of development efforts across the African continent.

He noted that Egypt has made significant progress in this field through the implementation of its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which is based on an integrated set of pillars aimed at expanding the use of AI applications across different sectors while developing specialised human capital.

For her part, Paula Ingabire affirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Egypt in communications and information technology in light of the close ties between the two countries. She highlighted the importance of focusing on joint cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and digital skills development.

The meeting also discussed ways to strengthen coordination in regional and international forums concerned with AI governance, with the aim of shaping common African positions on related issues.

Participants also reviewed the role of the Applied Innovation Centre in developing and deploying innovative AI-based solutions to serve society, in addition to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s programmes and initiatives in digital capacity building, technological innovation and support for freelancers.

The meeting also highlighted the efforts of the Information Technology Institute in training and qualifying professionals and developing digital skills, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.