In a significant move to future-proof its technological governance, the Egyptian cabinet has approved an expansion of the mandate for its National Council for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI). The body will now also oversee quantum computing, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies, and has been renamed the National Council for Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Emerging Technologies.
The decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, aligns Egypt with international digital governance trends that recognize the increasing convergence of AI with other advanced technologies.
A Strategic Push into Emerging Technologies
The expanded scope is designed to establish comprehensive regulatory and ethical frameworks that govern a broader spectrum of innovation. By proactively addressing technologies like quantum computing and biotechnology, the government aims to create a stable and supportive environment for startups operating in these deep-tech sectors.
This strategic update is expected to enhance Egypt’s international competitiveness, signaling to global investors and partners that the nation is committed to building a robust and well-regulated ecosystem for the technologies of the future.
An Expanded Governance Framework
Since its inception, the council’s responsibilities have included developing the National AI Strategy, identifying national priorities, and recommending policies related to technical, legal, and economic frameworks.
With its new, broader mandate, the council will also focus on promoting regional and international cooperation and exchanging best practices across all covered technologies. A key part of its expanded role will be to recommend and implement capacity-building programs to cultivate domestic expertise, ensuring Egypt develops a skilled workforce capable of innovating across artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other advanced fields.
Building on the National AI Strategy
The original National Council for Artificial Intelligence was established in November 2019 to formalize and govern the implementation of Egypt’s National AI Strategy. Chaired by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Amr Talaat, the council has always functioned as a partnership between governmental institutions, prominent academics, and private sector leaders.
This expansion builds on the foundation laid by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who mandated the council to develop a comprehensive national plan to indigenize the AI industry and position Egypt as a leading regional and global player. The latest edition of the National AI Strategy (2025-2030) was announced in January 2025, reaffirming this long-term commitment.
About The National Council for AI, Quantum Computing, and Emerging Technologies
The National Council for Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Emerging Technologies is the primary governance body for Egypt’s national strategy on advanced technologies. Chaired by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, it brings together representatives from government entities, academia, and the private sector. Its core objective is to unite national efforts to develop, implement, and govern strategies that drive innovation, support the startup ecosystem, and strengthen Egypt’s position as a global technology hub.
Source: Middle East AI News
