Egypt
AI Agent Legal Status: partial · Autonomy: low
Legal Framework
Egypt has a National AI Strategy launched in 2019 under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, focusing on AI adoption in government services and economic development. The legal framework does not directly address autonomous AI agents, but general corporate and investment laws apply. Egypt's data protection law (Law No. 151 of 2020) governs personal data processing and imposes requirements relevant to AI systems.
Key Laws & Regulations
- ◆Companies Law No. 159 of 1981
- ◆Investment Law No. 72 of 2017
- ◆Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020
- ◆Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes Law No. 175 of 2018
Business Formation
Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Joint Stock Companies (JSC), and Branch Offices available. Minimum capital requirements vary by entity type. The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) oversees registration.
Tax Implications
Corporate tax rate of 22.5%. Free zone entities may receive tax holidays and incentives. VAT of 14% applies to most services. Double taxation treaties with numerous countries.
Opportunities
Large domestic market of 100M+ people, growing tech talent pool, and government interest in AI-driven economic diversification. Special Economic Zones offer favorable terms for tech companies.
Highlights
Egypt's National AI Strategy and growing tech ecosystem in Cairo position it as a regional AI hub. The government has invested in AI research through partnerships with universities and international organizations.
Risks & Challenges
Bureaucratic regulatory environment and evolving data protection enforcement create uncertainty. Foreign exchange controls and restrictions on capital repatriation may affect digital business operations.