Page 38 - SAMENA Trends - March-April 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

REGIONAL NEWS

Egypt Aims for AI, Data ICT Skills Bump

Egypt targeted a digital skills boost, outlining plans to launch dedi-
cated training programmes as it seeks to promote itself as a global
ICT offshoring hub. The nation detailed a focus on training cov-
ering AI, data analytics and embedded systems during a meeting
between government ministers and relevant executives 20 March.
Officials noted Egypt already possesses significant digital skills
and argued its geographic location is an advantage in its global
offshoring ICT push. Minister of Communications and Information
Technology Amr Talaat emphasised the importance of training
young Egyptians as part of its broader digital goals, which include
pushing the opportunities throughout the country rather than fo-
cusing solely on capital city Cairo. Daily News Egypt reported the
government aims to train 5,000 people per year, estimating the cost
of this at EGP4 billion ($79.1 million) per annum. It added school- is in the latter stages of a five-year digital offshoring plan initiat-
ing would also cover language courses and include placements ed in 2022 to “boost digital exports”, strengthen its “competitive-
with Egyptian and global technology companies. Talaat explained ness in research and development and value-added services”, and
Egypt would also explore business incentives, increased backing “create sustainable job opportunities”. Talaat said Egypt currently
for exports of digital and ICT services, and broader employment houses more than 180 global and local companies which run in
opportunities to grow its offshoring potential. Egypt’s government excess of 200 hubs specialised in exporting digital services.

Jordan Ranks 49th Globally in 2024 AI Readiness Index

Jordan secured the fifth position among Arab countries and
ranked 49th globally out of 188 countries in the Government
AI Readiness Index 2024. This marks an improvement from its
2023 ranking of 55th among 193 countries, the Jordan News
Agency, Petra, reported. According to a statement issued by
the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Jordan
outperformed Bahrain, Egypt, and Kuwait in the latest report by
Oxford Insights. The statement stressed that this progress reflects
the government's efforts, led by the Ministry of Digital Economy
and Entrepreneurship, to enhance the country's regional and global
standing in AI. The report highlighted key initiatives, including the
government's AI-powered electricity load forecasting project, which
plays a crucial role in enhancing energy grid efficiency, reducing
reliance on conventional energy reserves, and accelerating the
transition to renewable energy through AI applications. The 2024
index examines 40 indicators across three pillars: Government,
Technology Sector, and Data & Infrastructure. It highlights progress,
identifies gaps, and provides actionable insights for policymakers
working to integrate AI into public service delivery. At its core, the
index asks: How ready are governments to implement AI in the
delivery of public services? By answering this question, Oxford
Insights aims to offer a practical tool that supports evidence-based
decision-making and helps policymakers unlock AI’s potential to
better serve citizens worldwide, the website added.

38 MARCH-APRIL 2025