Egypt's Ascent as a Regional AI and Tech Hub: Regulation and the Startup Landscape with Hazem Torab

Hazem Torab on Egypt's AI strategy, startup challenges, and global potential. How Egyptian talent is building a regional tech innovation hub

A nation can transform its tech ecosystem from a local player into a global contender by strategically leveraging its most abundant natural resource: a young, tech-savvy talent pool.

In this interview, we put this theory to the test with Hazem Torab, a leader within Egypt's burgeoning tech scene. As the co-founder and CEO of Enozom, a software company that has successfully launched a global SaaS product, Hazem operates at the epicenter of this transformation. He details how Egypt's national AI strategy and academic expansion are creating a powerful engine for growth. However, he also provides a clear-eyed view of the challenges, from global talent competition to early-stage funding, that must be navigated.

Through his experience, we learn how Egypt is not just cultivating skilled engineers, but is empowering them to build world-class products that compete on the international stage, solidifying its position as a rising regional tech hub.

Interview with Hazem Torab

How is Egypt supporting the growth of artificial intelligence and new technologies?

Egypt is taking real steps to support AI and new technologies. The government has launched a National AI Strategy and invested in digital transformation projects, smart cities, and open data initiatives. Universities and institutes are also expanding AI and data science programs, helping to build a strong talent pipeline. For companies like Enozom, this means access to young, skilled engineers eager to apply AI in real-world solutions. The ecosystem is still growing, but Egypt is clearly positioning itself as a regional hub for AI and tech innovation.

What are the main challenges for startups in Egypt’s tech sector?

The main challenges for startups in Egypt’s tech sector are competing on a global scale, attracting and retaining skilled talent—since many top engineers are headhunted by multinationals—and securing early-stage funding, which is still limited compared to other regions. On top of that, regulations and the gap between academia and industry can slow growth. That said, we at Enozom were able to build Day Off, a leave management SaaS that now competes globally, which shows Egyptian startups can overcome these challenges and succeed internationally.

How is the government working to regulate AI and protect users?

The Egyptian government is taking steps to regulate AI through its National AI Strategy, focusing on ethics, transparency, and responsible use. Data protection laws are being developed to align with global standards, while collaboration with universities and international partners ensures innovation continues alongside user protection.

What role do universities and research centers play in developing AI talent in Egypt?

Universities and research centers in Egypt play a critical role in developing AI talent. Many universities are introducing specialized programs in AI, data science, and machine learning, giving students both theoretical foundations and practical skills.

Research centers and institutes like ITI also provide intensive training and upskilling programs that prepare graduates for the market. These institutions are helping build a strong talent pipeline, which companies like Enozom rely on to develop innovative products and compete globally.

How are Egyptian businesses using AI to improve services and operations?

Egyptian businesses are increasingly adopting AI to improve efficiency and customer experience. In banking and telecom, AI is used for chatbots, fraud detection, and personalized services; in retail for demand forecasting and inventory; and in healthcare for diagnostics and patient support. Even SMEs are integrating AI for automation and analytics.

At Enozom, we see more clients asking for AI-driven solutions to streamline operations and make data-driven decisions. In fact, Egypt is ranked among the top countries globally in terms of the number of users adopting AI tools, which shows how fast the ecosystem is embracing this technology.

What opportunities does Egypt have to become a regional hub for technology and innovation?

Egypt has a young, tech-savvy talent pool, a strategic location, and strong government support for digital transformation, all of which position it as a regional technology hub. In fact, a number of countries already rely on Egypt for skilled tech talent and outsourcing, proving its growing role in innovation and global services