The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) co-organized "AgriTech Meet Egypt 2022" on May 30-31, in Cairo, in cooperation with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Ministry of International Cooperation and the Ministry of Social Solidarity. R&D Advisor to ICT Minister delivered a speech on behalf of ICT Minister, giving a presentation on AI Innovation Projects in Agriculture.
During the event, the Central Department of Digital Community Development at MCIT presented the efforts made to use Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital solutions and innovations in agriculture in Egypt by investing in creating and developing digital platforms for agriculture. The Department also discussed the role of technology in boosting the productivity of smallholder farmers and advancing environmental sustainability.
MCIT, through the Central Department for Digital Community Development, promoted the use of ICT applications to make agricultural extension available in the Arabic language for more than 13 million users in Egypt and the Middle East. MCIT developed the agricultural expert system and managed specialized knowledge portals.
Moreover, MCIT utilized smart knowledge applications to provide ICT-based agricultural services to support the national efforts in boosting agricultural productivity, increasing food security, and improving rural livelihoods. This was achieved through partnerships with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Expert System of the Agricultural Research Center (ARC), the Ministry of Environment, and the National Research Center (NRC).
MCIT was also keen to deliver agricultural extension services to Arab and African countries through collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Sudan, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). MCIT also contributed to KariaNet project of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the International Development Research Center (IDRC) in Canada.
AgriTech Meet is a platform for key players in agriculture and food systems to discuss how to strengthen digital ecosystems to promote inclusive and sustainable agriculture and rural transformation in Egypt and the region. The conference focused on strategies and priorities that directly benefit small-scale producers—especially women, youth, and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The event was aimed at shedding light on the field of digital agriculture; showcasing innovations and policies; exchanging experiences and best practices in Egypt and the Near East and North Africa region; creating a digital ecosystem that helps enhance cooperation among government, startups, the private sector, donors and stakeholders in the field of agricultural technology; and supporting youth, entrepreneurs and innovators in the inclusive and sustainable transformation of agri-food systems through digital innovations.
The event agenda comprised online and on-site sessions on topics of interest such as the Decent Life Presidential Initiative, the 27th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), and an Agritech Innovation Showcase. This is in addition to discussions, workshops, and talks by experts and high-level speakers.
