Cairo, Egypt, is fast becoming a hub for meaningful conversation and training in artificial intelligence governance after a landmark training programme was launched on 10 February 2026. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Egypt, working with the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), brought together senior government officials, regulators, and policy experts for a tailored Artificial Intelligence capacity building initiative designed specifically for public sector decision makers. According to a report by UNDP, the moment marks a significant step in Egypt’s digital transformation agenda and places responsible AI governance at the heart of efforts to harness technological innovation for sustainable national development.
The training took place at the headquarters of UNDP Egypt in the crowded heart of Cairo and included participants from across the region. Delegates came not only from Egypt but also from Libya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Jordan, reflecting a growing commitment across North Africa and the Middle East to build shared understanding and strategies for ethical and inclusive AI policy. This regional cooperation underlines the importance governments now place on collective leadership in technology.
AI is reshaping economies around the world, and policymakers increasingly recognise the need for strong governance frameworks to guide its adoption. Egypt’s proactive approach illustrates how countries in Africa and the wider region are stepping up to ensure that AI systems are safe, transparent and centred on human wellbeing. With this programme, UNDP and GSMA aim to bridge the gap between AI innovation and public sector preparedness.
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Strengthening Policy Frameworks in a Changing Digital World
The two-day capacity building training focused on equipping policymakers with the frameworks, tools and international best practices required to steer AI policy effectively. Sessions were led by experts from the GSMA who shared global perspectives from the mobile and digital industry, and provided guidance on a structured process called the Responsible AI Maturity Roadmap. This tool helps institutions assess their readiness and identify clear steps for strengthening policy and regulatory systems.
During the sessions, there was a strong emphasis on how thoughtful AI governance can foster economic growth while building public trust in technology systems. Participants explored approaches to risk assessment, ethical considerations, data protection, transparency, and accountability within AI systems. There was also practical engagement on how to adapt global policy frameworks to local contexts, an especially valuable component for countries with diverse governance structures and social priorities.
Chitose Noguchi, Resident Representative of UNDP Egypt, highlighted the importance of embedding shared values into AI strategies. According to her, ensuring technology is deployed transparently and inclusively will help public institutions work better together and deliver benefits to people. This sentiment echoed throughout the programme and set the tone for how policy leaders should think about technology as both a tool and a responsibility.
Collaboration at the Core of Responsible AI Development
GSMA leadership stressed that for countries to fully realise AI’s potential, governance frameworks must be forward-looking and built on solid partnerships between public institutions, industry actors, and civil society. Jawad Abbassi, Head of GSMA Middle East and North Africa, noted that policy dialogue and technical insight are essential to creating environments that support innovation while protecting public interests. Such collaboration, he said, will help create conditions where AI can scale responsibly and deliver tangible societal impact.
This initiative builds on a broader memorandum of understanding between the UNDP and GSMA aimed at strengthening digital capacities across Egypt and the wider region. It complements other efforts to deliver practical support to governments as they navigate rapid technological change and global economic shifts. Together, these organisations are helping countries align rapid digital adoption with sustainable development goals.
In recent years, Egypt has accelerated its push into digital technologies and AI. The government’s National AI Strategy 2025–2030 prioritises investment in infrastructure, talent development, and AI applications that support national priorities in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, finance and public services. These efforts aim not only to create economic opportunities but also to ensure that technological progress benefits all segments of society.
Participation from other countries across the region also reflects a growing trend in South–South cooperation. This approach recognises that shared experiences and solutions can help countries facing similar development challenges move forward together. For example, regional dialogues have become more common as countries work on data governance, ethical AI standards, and digital policy frameworks that are responsive to local values while aligned with international norms.
What This Means for Egypt and the Region
Egypt’s initiative sends a clear signal that leaders are not only interested in AI as a technological tool but are committed to shaping how it works within society. By enhancing policymakers’ capacity to design and implement responsible AI governance frameworks, the country positions itself as a leader in Africa and the Middle East for smart regulation and ethical technology adoption. Efforts such as this training programme are part of a larger ecosystem of innovation that includes private sector partnerships, academic engagement, talent development programmes and international collaborations.
As AI continues to evolve and its applications expand across industries, policymakers will need ongoing support to stay ahead of emerging risks and opportunities. This is not a one-off event but rather part of a long-term journey to cultivate policy expertise and institutional capacity. Through initiatives like this, Egypt and its regional partners are building the foundations for a future where technology serves economic growth, social progress, and human dignity.
In a world where technological change is relentless, investing in people who shape public policy may prove just as valuable as investing in the technologies themselves. Capacity building for policymakers is crucial to ensure that AI development is inclusive and that its benefits reach all parts of society. Egypt’s leadership in hosting this programme demonstrates how thoughtful policy work can guide AI innovation in ways that are ethical, accountable and aligned with national development goals.
A Shared Vision for Responsible Technology
The AI training programme has not only strengthened understanding among current leaders but also laid the groundwork for future cooperation, conversation, and policy refinement. As technology continues to touch every aspect of life, decisions made today will influence how AI shapes tomorrow. Egypt’s proactive stance in nurturing competent governance frameworks suggests a clear understanding that technology should empower people, protect rights, and deliver shared prosperity.
This moment represents more than a training event. It reflects a shifting paradigm where technology governance is as important as technology creation. And for countries across Africa and the Middle East, this may be the start of a collaborative journey toward shaping legislation, regulation and public sector expertise that reflects both local needs and global responsibility.
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