en.Wedoany.com Reported - Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Raafat Hendy, and Rwanda's Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, held talks, with both sides planning to enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and digital skills development to advance Africa's digital development agenda. The meeting, attended by Rwanda's Deputy Minister of ICT, Dan Munyuza, aimed to expand bilateral collaboration between the two countries in key technologies.
A major focus of the discussions was developing a common African framework to promote responsible and inclusive AI. The two ministers explored opportunities to implement AI pilot projects in priority areas such as healthcare, agriculture, local language technology, and digital government services, aiming to deliver tangible, measurable development outcomes across the African continent. The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation between government agencies, universities, research organizations, and innovation centers in both countries. Proposed areas of collaboration include partnerships involving the Egypt University of Informatics, the Applied Innovation Center, and the Information Technology Institute, while enhancing digital government initiatives and technology research.
To formalize the cooperation, the two ministers agreed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide a framework for expanding collaboration in the ICT sector. The agreement is expected to strengthen knowledge sharing, innovation, and joint capacity-building programs between the two countries. During the meeting, Hendy reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting African AI cooperation, 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 applications across multiple sectors while helping to cultivate specialized digital talent, and expressed Egypt's willingness to share its expertise with Rwanda and other African nations.
Ingabire, in turn, welcomed closer cooperation with Egypt, pointing to the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. She emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in AI, digital transformation, and digital skills development to support innovation and economic growth across Africa. The meeting also explored opportunities for greater coordination in regional and international discussions on AI governance, aiming to promote a common African stance on emerging global AI issues. Participants further reviewed Egypt's initiatives in AI innovation, digital capacity building, and freelancer support, as well as projects led by the Information Technology Institute aimed at cultivating AI talent and strengthening digital skills in the region.
