Egypt eyes hyperscale data centre, AI zone

Egypt is exploring the establishment of an integrated hyperscale data centre and artificial intelligence (AI) zone in cooperation with HEKA Insights and a US alliance of data centre developers.

This came during a meeting on Thursday between Minister of Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hindy and a delegation from HEKA Insights and the US alliance to discuss cooperation opportunities for the proposed project.

During the meeting, the HEKA Insights delegation and the US alliance presented their vision for the project and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with the Egyptian government and completing the necessary studies and procedures.

The meeting also covered the project’s preliminary concept, scale and implementation phases, as well as potential investment and technology opportunities, job creation and its role in supporting cloud computing, AI and digital services in Egypt and the region.

Participants also discussed the need to integrate digital infrastructure with the energy sources required to operate data centres, ensuring reliable and efficient operations amid rising global demand driven by the expansion of cloud computing and AI applications.

Hindy said Egypt is open to international partnerships in data centres and digital infrastructure, stressing the importance of leveraging global expertise and technologies to strengthen the country’s position as a regional data centre hub.

He added that the government welcomes high-quality investments that help transfer and localise advanced technologies and establish an integrated data centre and AI ecosystem serving Egypt, regional markets and international markets.

The project would leverage Egypt’s strategic location, advanced digital infrastructure, fibre-optic networks and submarine cables connecting the country to global markets, as well as its growing pool of specialised information and communications technology (ICT) talent.