Egypt is strengthening its position in artificial intelligence (AI) readiness as governments across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) shift from policy design to implementation, according to the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index published by Oxford Insights.

Egypt’s AI readiness

Within the MENA region, Egypt is identified as one of the countries accelerating its AI agenda through updated policy frameworks and expanded public-sector digitalization. The report points to Egypt’s revised national AI strategy as a key driver of progress, aligning AI policy more closely with broader digital transformation priorities.

This momentum is underpinned by Egypt’s Digital Egypt agenda under the ICT 2030 Strategy, which supports the country’s Vision 2030 through investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, cybersecurity, innovation, and governance. Oxford Insights notes that countries with integrated digital frameworks are better positioned to scale AI across public services and the wider economy.

MENA region

At a regional level, MENA ranks fifth globally in the index, reflecting strong policy capacity and rising investment in AI infrastructure. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries continue to lead performance, while non-GCC economies, including Egypt, are improving through institutional reform and targeted policy execution.

However, the index also highlights persistent gaps across the region, particularly in advanced skills, AI resilience, and long-term infrastructure, indicating that sustained investment will be needed to translate ambition into durable capability.

Globally, AI leadership remains concentrated in the U.S. and China, but Oxford Insights emphasizes that countries do not need to build frontier AI models to realize economic and social benefits. Governments that deploy AI in public services, invest in human capital, and provide clear regulatory frameworks are best positioned to drive inclusive growth.

For Egypt and the wider MENA region, the report concludes that continued policy execution, skills development, and regional cooperation will be critical to converting AI strategies into long-term economic impact.