MCIT Spotlights Efforts to Empower Youth, Support Startups, Advance AI Governance

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) participated in the inaugural Responsible AI Cup (RAI Cup) Awards Ceremony, held on January 18 at the American University in Cairo (AUC).

The event marked the conclusion of the RAI Cup competition while also celebrating the 16th anniversary of the Access to Knowledge for Development Center (A2K4D).

Startup Ecosystem

The Awards Ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including members of the AI startup ecosystem, experienced judges, innovators, professionals, AI enthusiasts, and representatives of the MENA Observatory on Responsible AI, alongside A2K4D’s extended network.

It showcased innovations promoting ethical and responsible AI adoption while fostering dialogue among policymakers, practitioners, and innovators.

Government Policies

During the event, Advisor to the ICT Minister for Technological Talents Development, National AI Lead, and Founding Director of the Egyptian Center for Responsible AI Hoda Baraka delivered a keynote speech, highlighting government policies and MCIT’s strategies, particularly the second edition of the National AI Strategy 2025-2030, which prioritizes youth as creators and leaders of technology.

She also explained that the Ministry empowers young people by developing skills and offering specialized tracks in data science, generative models, deep learning, and training of trainers, along with providing programs tailored for students, women, and persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Economic Empowerment

Within the framework of economic empowerment, Baraka emphasized that the Ministry supports transforming youth ideas into successful startups through incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, and various social initiatives aimed at raising awareness among youth about AI ethics, responsible applications, and the role of AI in serving society.

AI Governance

Baraka also reviewed the latest advancements in AI governance. She stated that MCIT is developing a comprehensive national AI governance framework designed to enhance trust in technology and ensure safe and responsible use that supports sustainable development.

She also underlined the role of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) in supporting startups, including enabling 250 AI startups, facilitating patent registration, providing testing spaces for models, implementing advanced technical training programs, connecting companies to regional and international markets, and transforming youth capabilities into competitive businesses, thereby contributing to Egypt’s digital economy.

Top Five Participants

Furthermore, Baraka participated as a member of the judging panel. The top five participants were selected after evaluating pitches from approximately 41 companies, which reflected their commitment to implementing responsible AI across several pillars: privacy, accountability, safety, transparency, fairness, human oversight, professional responsibility, and human values.

RAI Cup Finalists

The event also featured the RAI Cup finalists’ pitches and the awarding of winners. First, second, and third place winners received financial awards provided by A2K4D, and the fourth and fifth received honorary awards. The ceremony also included an engaging discussion on the future of responsible AI and a wrap-up of A2K4D’s 2025 achievements.

Competition

It is worth noting that the RAI Cup competition is an initiative under A2K4D’s flagship project, launched in October 2025 by the MENA Observatory on Responsible AI as the first competition of its kind in Egypt.

It focused on promoting responsible AI themes and practices, aiming to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Egypt and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to adopt responsible AI practices.

Training

It also provided a collaborative platform offering participants educational content and training in responsible AI, while also raising awareness of the ethical, legal, and environmental implications associated with AI adoption.

Source: Press Release