Egypt adds quantum computing to AI council mandate
Governance framework extends beyond AI, quantum and biotech added
#Egypt #governance - Egypt’s cabinet has approved expanding the mandate of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) to include quantum computing, biotechnology and other emerging technologies, renaming the body the National Council for Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Emerging Technologies. The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, approved the move in alignment with international digital governance trends. The expanded scope aims to establish regulatory and ethical frameworks for a broader range of technologies including biotechnology and quantum computing to support startups and enhance Egypt’s international competitiveness.
SO WHAT? - The shift reflects a global conviction that governance must include a wide spectrum of technologies related, and increasingly integrated, with artificial intelligence. The National Council for Artificial Intelligence was established in 2019 as the governance arm for Egypt’s National AI Strategy, chaired by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology and uniting governmental institutions, prominent academics and practitioners from leading businesses to outline, implement and govern the AI strategy in close coordination with concerned experts and entities. The expansion of the Council’s mandate will allow Egypt to establish comprehensive regulatory frameworks as emerging technologies converge.
Here are some key points about the change in the NCAI’s mandate:
Egypt’s cabinet has approved expanding the mandate of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) to include quantum computing, biotechnology and other emerging technologies, with the body renamed the National Council for Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Emerging Technologies.
The expanded scope aims to establish regulatory and ethical frameworks for a broader range of technologies including biotechnology and quantum computing to support startups and enhance Egypt’s international competitiveness in alignment with international digital governance trends.
The NCAI was established in 2019 as the governance arm for Egypt’s National AI Strategy, chaired by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology to outline, implement and govern the AI strategy.
The council was formed as a partnership between governmental institutions, prominent academics and practitioners from leading businesses in the field of AI, with the main objective to unite national efforts and develop Egypt’s AI strategy and various AI-related applications.
Council responsibilities include developing the National AI Strategy, providing follow-up mechanisms for implementing the strategy in line with international best practices, identifying national priorities in AI applications, and recommending national policies pertaining to technical, legal and economic frameworks.
The council is responsible for promoting cooperation regionally and internationally including exchanging best practices and expertise, identifying AI applications that provide smart, safe and sustainable solutions and services, and reviewing international protocols and agreements.
Additional responsibilities of the council include recommending capacity building programmes to boost skills and knowledge of national calibres, ensuring Egypt develops domestic expertise across artificial intelligence, quantum computing and emerging technologies as the governance mandate expands.
ZOOM OUT - The National Council for Artificial Intelligence was established in November 2019 by Egypt's Cabinet of Ministers to develop, formalise and govern the implementation of Egypt's National AI Strategy, which was first launched in 2018. Chaired by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Amr Talaat, the council representatives from government entities, private sector and independent experts. The council was mandated by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to develop a comprehensive national AI plan aiming to indigenize the AI industry and strengthen Egypt's leading role regionally to become an active global player and published its first plan in 2019. The latest edition of the National AI Strategy (2025-2030) was announced by President Al-Sisi in January 2025, reaffirming the nation's commitment to drive progress, foster innovation and improve the lives of Egyptians.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
Read more about Egypt’s National AI Strategy:
Egypt launches 2025-2030 National AI Strategy (Middle East AI News)
Egypt boosts AI startups with new National AI Strategy (Middle East AI News)