Egypt has risen to the top of the African continent in the latest global assessment of artificial intelligence preparedness by Oxford Insights. In the 2025 Government Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index, Egypt achieved first place among African nations and a notable 51st position worldwide out of 195 countries evaluated. The announcement was made by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in a recent statement that highlights both the progress and challenges facing the nation in its journey to integrate AI into government and society, as reported by Ahram Online.
This ranking marks a significant leap forward for Egypt compared to the previous year, when it was placed 65th globally among 188 countries. Egypt’s score rose from 55.6 in 2024 to 57.5 in 2025, reflecting improvements in multiple measures of AI readiness. Such performance places Egypt ahead of many other African countries and signals its growing influence in the global AI landscape.
The Government AI Readiness Index assesses how well governments are prepared to adopt and deploy artificial intelligence in ways that benefit national development. It covers six key areas of evaluation, including policy, governance, infrastructure, adoption, development and diffusion, and resilience. By topping the list in Africa, Egypt is demonstrating that deliberate policies and strategic initiatives can yield global recognition.
Egypt’s success in this ranking comes at a time when AI technologies are reshaping economic, social, and technological landscapes across the world. Countries that lead in readiness are those that integrate AI into national development plans, invest in infrastructure, and build governance frameworks that ensure ethical and effective deployment. Egypt’s rise in these rankings shows that the nation is prioritising AI as part of its long-term vision for innovation and public service delivery.
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Policy, Strategy and Government Action Behind the Rise
One of the standout findings from the 2025 ranking is Egypt’s leadership in policy capacity, where it achieved a perfect score of 100 points. This means that Egypt is ranked alongside countries such as the United Kingdom, Serbia, and Australia in terms of the strength of its AI policy framework. Policy capacity measures a government’s ability to design and implement AI strategies that are aligned with national priorities, supported by adequate resources, and compliant with international norms.
According to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, this achievement reflects years of work to embed AI into public services and national strategies. The National Council for Artificial Intelligence’s second National AI Strategy for 2025–2030 plays a central role in this progress. This strategic framework focuses on accelerating digital transformation, supporting economic and social development, and positioning Egypt as a regional hub for AI innovation. The strategy also prioritises building human capital by training tens of thousands of AI specialists by 2030.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, said the country’s performance in the index reflects pragmatic efforts to harness AI technologies for societal benefit. Emphasis has been placed on integrating AI in sectors such as healthcare, education, justice, and public administration to improve efficiency and transparency. Egypt also aims to expand AI literacy among both government employees and the general public to ensure wider understanding and uptake of these technologies.
In addition to policy development, Egypt’s AI strategy includes initiatives to strengthen data governance, improve AI infrastructure, and cultivate partnerships with international institutions and technology companies. These efforts are designed to enhance the domestic AI ecosystem and attract investment and expertise from around the world.
Broader Regional and Global Context of Egypt’s AI Credentials
Egypt’s global position at 51st in the AI readiness ranking places it ahead of many countries with more advanced economies, and this is a remarkable achievement for a nation in the middle-income category. Regionally, Egypt’s performance also stands out. It placed fourth in the Middle East and North Africa region, behind Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates. Its position in the Arab world has also improved when compared to previous years.
Being ranked first in Africa means Egypt is now a benchmark for other African nations working to improve their technological foundations and government solutions in the field of artificial intelligence. Across Africa, countries are pursuing different paths toward digital transformation and AI adoption, with varying speeds and levels of success. Egypt’s leadership offers a case study in how strategic planning, government support, and targeted investment can yield measurable progress.
It is worth noting that AI adoption is a global enterprise. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the global AI market is projected to grow to an estimated $4.8 trillion by 2033. Such rapid growth highlights the economic and social importance of AI technologies and the need for countries to position themselves early in this expanding field. Governments that fail to build robust AI policies or to invest in infrastructure may miss opportunities for economic development and social advancement.
However, while Egypt’s top ranking in Africa is cause for celebration, there are still challenges that must be addressed. Gaps remain in digital infrastructure, especially in less developed regions, and there is work to be done in expanding the pool of AI talent. These challenges are similar to those faced by many other nations seeking to improve their readiness for widespread AI adoption.
Challenges, Opportunities and What the Future Holds
Even though Egypt leads Africa in this important global ranking, analysts agree that the journey toward comprehensive AI readiness is ongoing. Infrastructure investments are critical not only in major cities but also in rural and underserved areas of the country. Broadband accessibility, reliable power supply, and modern computing facilities are essential for inclusive digital growth. At the same time, building local capacity in terms of education and skills remains a priority to make sure that the next generation of Egyptians are prepared for a world increasingly influenced by intelligent systems.
Skill development and human capital formation are central to Egypt’s strategy. As part of its goals for 2030, the country aims to train a large cohort of AI specialists and to improve AI literacy among civil servants and the public. This approach recognises that technology alone is not enough. Human expertise and understanding are essential to ensuring that the benefits of AI are realised across sectors such as health, agriculture, transportation, and public safety.
There is also a strong focus on ethical use and governance of AI systems. As nations around the world grapple with questions around data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and the impact of automation on jobs, Egypt has sought to incorporate ethical considerations into its national policy framework. Ensuring transparency in AI deployment, protecting citizen data, and creating safeguards against misuse are part of the broader conversation among policymakers and stakeholders in the private sector.
Looking forward, Egypt’s leadership in AI readiness could have ripple effects across the African continent. Other nations may be motivated to ramp up their efforts in IoT connectivity, policymaking, and national strategies that embrace advanced technologies. There is potential for regional collaboration on AI initiatives, shared research, and pooled resources that can elevate Africa’s presence in the global technology ecosystem.
Egypt’s achievement also signals to foreign investors and technology companies that Africa is fertile ground for innovation and expansion. As the world becomes more interconnected, countries that invest early in AI-related infrastructure and skills stand to benefit not only economically but also socially by improving public services and creating opportunities for citizens in new industries.
In conclusion, Egypt’s rise to the top of the African AI readiness ranks is a landmark event that reflects thoughtful policy, strategic investment, and a national vision that embraces the future of technology. The journey ahead will require continued effort, collaboration, and resilience, but this accomplishment offers a strong foundation for sustained digital progress in the years to come. By leading the continent in this key area, Egypt is shaping its own future and setting an example for others to follow in the global race to harness artificial intelligence for national development.
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