Egypt Moves to Digitize Export Services and Attract Data Center Investments Through AI Strategy
Egypt is advancing plans to integrate artificial intelligence into government services and foreign trade operations, while preparing a coordinated investment framework to attract data center projects, Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh said during Cairo ICT 2026.
Speaking at a ministerial session alongside the ministers of finance, communications and information technology, and water resources and irrigation, Farid outlined the ministry’s digital transformation priorities and efforts to improve the business environment for investors and exporters.
He said the ministry is implementing recommendations from Egypt Forum 2026 to expand digital government services, improve trade monitoring and data analysis, and encourage technology-driven innovation that supports Egyptian exports.
Ending Paper-Based Procedures for Exporters
The ministry’s digital transformation program covers its affiliated authorities, including the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, the General Organization for Export and Import Control, and the Export Development Fund.
Farid said the objective is to allow investors and exporters to complete government procedures online rather than traveling between governorates to submit paperwork. Digital services are also being developed for participation in overseas exhibitions and access to Export Development Fund services.
The ministry is exploring the use of digital identity verification and customer identification tools, including passport-based verification, alongside AI-powered application analysis to improve service efficiency. A digital complaints system is also being developed to monitor investor concerns and help address recurring challenges.
AI Applications in Trade Monitoring
In coordination with the Ministry of Finance, the ministry is working to use technology and AI to improve oversight of free zones, including monitoring movements through entry and exit points and strengthening supervision of commercial activities.
AI-based analysis of import and foreign trade data is also expected to support trade remedies, track shifts in trade flows and provide insights for more effective policy decisions.
Trade Sandbox to Help Exporters Reach Global Markets
Farid also highlighted plans for the Trade Sandbox, a regulatory laboratory designed to help businesses and entrepreneurs develop innovative foreign trade technologies, particularly AI solutions.
Under the initiative, specialized companies may be able to use relevant databases from the General Organization for Export and Import Control and the Export Development Fund, subject to regulatory requirements, to build applications that identify export opportunities and connect Egyptian products with international markets.
The minister noted that around 43% of Egypt’s exports between 2021 and 2026 were concentrated among 50 companies, underscoring the need to broaden the exporter base and help small and medium-sized businesses access international markets through technology.
Integrated Investment Framework for Data Centers
Farid said attracting data center investments requires coordination across several sectors, given the projects’ requirements for advanced technology infrastructure, equipment, cooling systems and reliable electricity supplies.
The ministries of Investment and Foreign Trade, Communications and Information Technology, and Electricity and Renewable Energy are preparing an integrated investment package. It will include identifying suitable sites and coordinating the necessary permits and approvals to accelerate project development and simplify the investor journey.
Since data centers serve international markets to a significant extent, the minister stressed the importance of flexible regulatory and investment arrangements, including the potential use of the free zones system and the completion of licenses related to telecommunications, energy and infrastructure.
He added that Egypt’s Investment Law provides a framework for advance approvals and project licensing, helping reduce administrative procedures and shorten the time needed to launch operations.
Farid concluded by emphasizing the need for coordinated action among government entities and alignment with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s AI strategy to strengthen Egypt’s economic competitiveness and attract technology-driven investments.