Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: Presidential directives to give utmost importance to artificial intelligence strategies and harness modern technologies to advance economic development efforts

During an event on governance in the digital transformation era, held as part of TICAD 9 in Tokyo, Japan

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: Presidential directives to give utmost importance to artificial intelligence strategies and harness modern technologies to advance economic development efforts

Al-Mashat: Africa has enormous opportunities to leverage modern technologies in achieving its development agenda.

Egypt welcomes triangular cooperation with Japan and African partners to strengthen AI governance and turn it into a driving force for development.

The Ministerial Group on Entrepreneurship works to empower startups in the fields of artificial intelligence and innovation.

The world needs a comprehensive and flexible framework for AI governance built on ethical principles, transparency, accountability, and fairness.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, participated in an event organized by the United Nations University (UNU) as part of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), on “Governance in the Digital Era: Lessons for Africa.” The event was attended by a number of ministers, Japanese government officials, representatives of African nations, and the United Nations.

In her speech, Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of this event organized by the UNU, particularly given the transformation the world is witnessing, where digital technologies, foremost among them artificial intelligence, are no longer peripheral tools but core drivers in addressing complex and interlinked development challenges. From strengthening healthcare and education services, to supporting climate change adaptation, ensuring food security, and advancing inclusive economic growth, technology has become a determining factor in how countries can leapfrog stages of development.

However, these immense possibilities make it imperative to build strong governance frameworks that ensure innovations serve humanity in a fair and sustainable way.

H.E. stressed that artificial intelligence has become a driving force reshaping development models and opening new horizons for growth, while simultaneously posing profound challenges that require effective governance and international cooperation. She pointed out that Africa possesses vast potential, legitimate aspirations, and a collective responsibility to shape an African model for AI governance. With more than 60% of its population under the age of 25 and a rapidly expanding digital economy expected to add over $180 billion to the continent’s GDP, Africa enjoys a unique opportunity to harness AI as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation referred to presidential directives mandating the development of clear strategies to harness AI and strengthen research and development efforts. She highlighted that Egypt recognized the importance of AI not only as a technical tool but also as a strategic catalyst for development, digital sovereignty, and social justice. From this standpoint, the Egyptian government has taken pioneering steps in AI governance and capacity-building to keep pace with the rapid acceleration of this technology, beginning with the establishment of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence in 2019, the Applied Innovation Center, the launch of the Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI, and most recently the second phase of the National AI Strategy, launched by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the start of this year.

She noted that the National AI Strategy focuses on integrating AI technologies into government services, strengthening public-private partnerships, prioritizing scientific research across economic and service sectors, and also preserving linguistic heritage by ensuring wider accessibility of technology in the Arabic language.

At the same time, she explained that Egypt is working to strengthen the startup ecosystem to enable innovators and entrepreneurs to apply emerging technologies, especially AI, in vital sectors. Recognizing the strategic importance of this sector for Egypt’s future growth, the government launched the Ministerial Group on Entrepreneurship to coordinate policies, stimulate innovation, and ensure startups receive the support needed to expand and compete globally. In parallel, Egypt is scaling up AI training programs to prepare a new generation of leaders capable of deploying digital technologies responsibly and effectively.

On the continental level, she added that Egypt has worked to transfer its extensive expertise in this vital field to serve other African nations, promoting governance principles and responsible use of AI technologies across the continent. This is aimed at harnessing this transformative technology to achieve development goals and address economic, social, and security challenges. These efforts have taken place in the framework of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to solidarity, mutual learning, and the exchange of best practices among developing countries.

She affirmed that Egypt played a pioneering role in formulating the African Continental AI Strategy, launched in August 2024, which focuses on ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI governance. Egypt also contributes, representing North Africa, as a member of the African Union Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance.

She spoke about the risks associated with AI despite its many benefits. According to the International Labour Organization, up to 25% of jobs worldwide are expected to be affected by generative AI. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 has also identified disinformation and the spread of misinformation as the greatest global threat over the next two years, with emerging technologies accelerating their dissemination. This trend reveals how the erosion of trust and social cohesion could rapidly deepen divisions within and among nations.

She stressed that without sound governance, these risks, from job losses to digital disinformation, could undermine trust, exacerbate inequality, and destabilize societies. For this reason, Egypt firmly believes that the world needs a comprehensive and flexible framework for AI governance built on ethical principles, transparency, accountability, and fairness; a framework that ensures privacy protection and strengthens security.

She noted that the current meeting, held within TICAD 9, presents genuine opportunities for cooperation and building bridges between continents, through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and joint participation in shaping AI governance systems that safeguard our values and future. She emphasized Egypt’s readiness to cooperate with Japan and African partners to enhance AI governance and transform it into a driving force for achieving inclusive and sustainable development.