Egypt and Rwanda Move to Strengthen AI and Digital Transformation Cooperation

Raafat Hendy has held talks with Paula Ingabire to strengthen cooperation between Egypt and Rwanda in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital skills development. The meeting, attended by Dan Munyuza, focused on expanding bilateral collaboration in key technology sectors and advancing Africa’s digital development agenda.

A major focus of the discussions was the development of a shared African framework for responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence. The ministers explored opportunities to implement pilot AI projects in priority sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, local language technologies and digital government services, with the aim of delivering practical and measurable development outcomes across the continent.

The two sides also discussed strengthening collaboration between government institutions, universities, research organisations and innovation centres in both countries. Proposed areas of cooperation include partnerships involving Egypt University of Informatics, the Applied Innovation Center and the Information Technology Institute, alongside efforts to enhance digital government initiatives and technology research.

To formalise their collaboration, the ministers agreed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will provide a framework for expanding cooperation in the information and communications technology sector. The agreement is expected to strengthen knowledge sharing, innovation and joint capacity-building programmes between the two countries.

During the meeting, Hendy reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting African cooperation in artificial intelligence, highlighting the country’s role in the African Union AI Working Group and the Smart Africa AI Council. He noted that Egypt’s National AI Strategy has accelerated AI adoption across multiple sectors while helping develop specialised digital talent, adding that the country is keen to share its expertise with Rwanda and other African nations.

For her part, Ingabire welcomed closer collaboration with Egypt, citing the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries. She emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and digital skills development to support innovation and economic growth across Africa.

The meeting also examined opportunities for greater coordination in regional and international discussions on AI governance, with the objective of promoting common African positions on emerging global AI issues. Participants further reviewed Egypt’s initiatives in AI innovation, digital capacity building and freelancer support, as well as programmes led by the Information Technology Institute to develop AI talent and strengthen digital skills across the region.