Egypt and Italy to establish AI centre in Cairo

They are partnering to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) centre in Cairo, in a move that aims to position Egypt as Africa’s leading technology hub.

Italy’s minister of economic development, Adolfo Urso, said during a recent meeting in Cairo that the AI centre could be operational later this year. The idea is that the initiative will allow Egypt to foster AI development and applications across Africa, and also provide training and support to other African nations. The two countries have also pledged to encourage further collaboration between research institutions and private enterprises in their respective countries.

When announcing the plan for an AI centre, Urso said that “Italy and Egypt are both at the heart of the Mediterranean and at the crossroad of three continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia. Italy, with its ports, energy infrastructure, and cable links sees Egypt as a key partner in the development of the entire region.”

Urso added that he hopes the AI centre will establish Egypt as an international hub for this technology.

Maged Salib, professor of political science at Helwan University in Cairo and AI expert, tells African Business that the move makes sense for both countries.

“Egypt is a strategic partner with the European Union and Italy in particular, while Italy is already a leading partner with Egypt in the energy sector.”

“Egypt offers one of the largest markets in Africa, political stability, and has eventually recovered from an economic crisis with a positive economic outlook,” Salib says. “Egypt is a leading African country in digital infrastructure; thus, it is an ideal regional AI hub. Egypt, aided by Italian technology, can be a hub providing capacity-building services to African countries.”

Italy, under the leadership of new prime minister Georgia Meloni, has been placing increased emphasis on its diplomatic and economic relationships in Africa. In December, Italy’s state-controlled natural gas importer Eni announced that it would be ramping up its investments in Africa.