Will artificial intelligence succeed in being the engine of development? – Something for the homeland – ✍️ Mr. Salah Ghariba
In a move that confirms Egypt’s determination to firmly establish itself in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Cairo University, the ancient edifice of science, will host the inaugural edition of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence 2025 (CU-AI Nexus) on October 18-19. Rather, as the media content suggests, it is a “crucial national platform” that aims to accelerate the pace of adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in vital sectors and build a “knowledge-based economy,” an ambition that calls for a pause in analysis and evaluation of the seriousness of these efforts and their capacity to bring about real qualitative change.
The stated ambition is clear and bold: to strengthen Egypt’s regional leadership in the artificial intelligence scene. This objective can only be achieved if the conference is truly “a pivotal station for national dialogue, cooperation and policy formulation”. What is impressive about the conference themes is their comprehensiveness and focus on the three dimensions necessary for any sustainable technological renaissance: strategic dialogue, practical innovation and skills development.
“Nexus Groups” provide a single table that brings together government, industry and academia to formulate strategies and governance that go beyond theory to effective sectoral application. These strategic sessions constitute the central nerve of the conference. Without common understanding and coordination among these parties, national goals will remain ink on paper.
As for the “Innovation Arena” (the exhibition and the startups), it represents the artery that supplies the market with innovative solutions and creates opportunities for communication between innovators, capital and decision-makers. Turning ideas into products and startups is the real test to measure the success of any innovation system. The issue here is to what extent this area is capable of attracting real investments that increase the competitive capacity of Egyptian startups.
The third pillar, “Future Innovators” (Hackathon), is the most important in the long term. Cairo University’s investment in developing the next generation of artificial intelligence talent through a “huge hackathon” spanning 20 colleges confirms the realization that technology is only a tool and that the creative human mind is the driving force. Honoring the winners and showcasing their solutions to achieve sustainable development sends a clear message that Egyptian academia is ready to cultivate leaders who can solve real-world problems.
However, the biggest challenge lies not in holding the conference, but in achieving the “tangible results” it aspires to. The main stated outcome, the preparation of a “comprehensive policy document” with actionable recommendations, is the true test of the seriousness of this event. This document should go beyond the flashy headlines to delve into the finer details of how to:
Fund AI projects (from seed funding to expansion).
Address ethical, regulatory and governance aspects (to protect data and ensure non-discrimination).
Align university research with industry priorities (to translate research into economic value).
CU-AI Nexus 2025 is like a true compass that charts Egypt’s path to the digital future. But true transformation requires more than a platform for dialogue; This requires sustained political will, a significant allocation of resources and the ability to adapt to rapid technological changes. We hope that the policy document emerging from the conference will constitute a binding roadmap, in which progress will be measured periodically and transparently, to ensure that artificial intelligence truly succeeds in becoming the locomotive of development and the engine of the “knowledge economy” to which Egypt aspires. Focus on monitoring and implementation now.
