• Rwanda and Egypt agreed to prepare a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and digital skills development.
• The two countries plan to launch AI pilot projects in healthcare, agriculture, digital public services and local language technologies while promoting knowledge transfer.
• Rwanda and Egypt also seek to coordinate African positions on AI governance as both countries accelerate the implementation of their national AI strategies.

Rwanda and Egypt plan to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and digital skills development. Rwanda's Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, and Egypt's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Raafat Hindi, met in Cairo on Monday, June 29, to define new areas of collaboration. The two governments agreed to prepare a memorandum of understanding that will establish a framework for cooperation in information and communication technologies.

The ministers discussed the implementation of AI pilot projects across several priority sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, digital public services and local language technologies. In addition, Kigali and Cairo plan to strengthen cooperation among government agencies, universities, research centers and innovation hubs to promote knowledge transfer, applied research and the development of AI talent.

Toward a Common African Approach to AI

Beyond bilateral initiatives, Rwanda and Egypt aim to promote a common African approach to artificial intelligence based on the principles of responsibility, inclusion and sustainable development. The ministers also discussed closer coordination in regional and international forums dedicated to AI governance to advance common African positions on emerging technologies. Egypt already participates in the African Union AI Working Group and contributes to the work of the Smart Africa AI Council.

The renewed cooperation comes as both countries accelerate the implementation of their national AI strategies. Rwanda recently approved the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Agency to coordinate investment, innovation and governance in the sector after launching its Digital Public Infrastructure Strategy.

Meanwhile, Egypt is implementing its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, which calls for integrating AI into public services, developing a specialized workforce and strengthening research capabilities. The Egyptian government has also adopted an operational implementation plan with performance indicators and continues to expand partnerships with African countries to accelerate AI adoption across the continent.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum