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COMMENTARY
Exploring AI governance in the Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) region: gaps, efforts, and initiatives
Hana Trigui
1,6
, Fatma Guerfali
6,13
, Emna Harigua-Souiai
6,12
, Radwan Qasrawi
6,8,9
, Chiraz Atri
6,13
,
Elie Salem Sokhn
6,7
, Christo El Morr
5,6
, Karima Hammami
2,6
, Oussama Souiai
6,11
, Jianhong Wu
4,6
,
Jude Dzevela Kong
3,4,6
, Jean Jacques Rousseau
10
and Sadri Znaidi
1,6
1
Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Vaccinology and Biotechnology Development (LR16IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis,
University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
2
Department of Environmental Hygiene and Environmental Protection (DHMPE), Ministry of Health, Tunis, Tunisia
3
Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
4
Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
5
School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
6
Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network (AI4PEP)
7
Molecular Testing Laboratory, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology,Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University,
Beirut, Lebanon
8
Department of Computer Engineering, Istinye Universitesi, Istanbul, Turkey
9
Department of Computer Science, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestinian Territory
10
Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
11
Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics LR16IPT09, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El
Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
12
Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology LR11IPT04, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El
Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
13
Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections (LR16IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of
Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
Corresponding author: Hana Trigui; Email: hanatrigui@gmail.com
Received: 24 January 2024; Revised: 18 September 2024; Accepted: 25 October 2024
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI); AI readiness; AI governance; Regulatory framework; MENA Region
Abstract
This commentary explores MENA”s AI governance, addressing gaps, showcasing successful strategies, and
comparing national approaches. It emphasizes current deficiencies, highlights regional contributions to global
AI governance, and offers insights into effective frameworks. The study reveals distinctions and trends in MENA”s
national AI strategies, serving as a concise resource for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Policy Significance Statement
Providing the status of AI governance in the MENA region to policymakers is essential for creating a regulatory
framework that balances innovation with ethical considerations, economic development, and the well-being of
society. It enables proactive decision-making to harness the benefits of AI while addressing potential challenges.
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press. This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the
original article is properly cited.
Data & Policy (2024), 6: e83
doi:10.1017/dap.2024.85
https://doi.org/10.1017/dap.2024.85 Published online by Cambridge University Press
1. Introduction
Governance is a major obstacle companies and governments face (Microsoft, 2018). Following advances
in the benefit of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) models and realizing the challenges related to
generating and managing large amounts of data in recent years, organizations are increasingly expanding
their use of AI technologies. AI has become increasingly popular as organizations consider how they can
use AI to improve customer experience, increase operational efficiency, or automate processes. Likewise,
public health authorities have started to carefully consider the opportunities and challenges of using AI in
improving health systems. Folding into these worldwide initiatives, the MENA region is conducting
important debates on integrating AI approaches while considering their regional specificities. However,
AI has evolved into a strategic, economic, and military issue, with power concentrated in a few American
and Chinese multinationals, threatening state sovereignty (Miailhe, 2018). The North–South digital
divide is widening, as many developing countries lag in AI adoption. Most nations with national AI
strategies are in the Northern Hemisphere, while the MENA region, including Maghreb countries, lacks
clear plans and investment in data governance. Challenges like limited data, infrastructure, national
strategies, and human capital persist despite MENA’’s innovation potential, tech-savvy youth, and active
startup ecosystems that offer promise for AI growth (Mejri, 2020).
The increasing use of AI has raised questions about the ethical, equitable, and accountable use of
technology that aids or substitutes for human decisions. When implementing an AI system, it is essential
to carefully manage the AI life cycle, data governance, and the machine learning model to avoid
unintended consequences not only on an organization’’s brand reputation but, more importantly, on
employees, individuals, and society as a whole. When adopting AI systems, it is necessary to have robust
ethical and risk-management frameworks in place. AI governance captures the necessity to integrate these
considerations into a framework to conduct responsible AI. We need governments to implement
responsive regulatory frameworks that enforce AI governance.
In this commentary paper, we explore various aspects of AI governance, starting with an examination
of AI governance as a framework for ensuring the responsible use and development of AI as a technology.
We will highlight the gaps in AI governance implementation in the MENA region, addressing the
challenges these countries face to align with global standards. The paper will also review current efforts
in global AI governance within MENA countries, providing examples of AI strategy setups in nations
such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jordan. Additionally, we will delve into key initiatives aimed at
launching AI ecosystems in three North African countries (Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria), as well as
Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, showcasing the diverse approaches to fostering AI development across the
region. This commentary paper mapping of the AI ecosystem and strategies was based primarily on the
reports by Mejri (2020) and Oxford Insights (2023), as well as the following sources: government bodies
(ministries, public organizations for information technology, and innovation support structures like
incubators and tech hubs), AI-focused startups websites, technology and innovation associations, and
personal communication.
2. AI governance as a framework for responsible AI
A government ought to possess a strategic outlook for AI development and management, backed by
suitable regulations and a focus on ethical concerns (governance and ethics). Additionally, it should
cultivate robust internal digital capabilities, encompassing the skills and methodologies that enhance its
ability to face the challenges of emerging technologies.
Governance and Ethics are critical dimensions for AI development in the Middle East and North
Africa (MENA) region (Oxford Insights, 2023). These areas are emerging as key challenges that need to
be addressed for the region’’s advancement in AI. Despite their leading roles in AI adoption, the UAE and
Saudi Arabia have not made as significant progress in establishing strong governance frameworks and
ethical standards as might be anticipated. Both countries face substantial challenges in these areas
and need to enhance their efforts to build effective and responsible AI systems (Oxford Insights, 2023).
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3. Gaps in AI governance implementation in the MENA region
The efforts made in MENA countries fall short of the expectations and challenges associated with the AI
revolution; the North-South divide and the digital gap persist. Looking at the map of countries with
national AI strategies, the overwhelming majority are still highly concentrated in the North of the
hemisphere (Figure 1). In addition, governments in the MENA region do not invest in the structuring
and governance of data produced by state administrations, businesses, or society. Like most countries in
the South, countries in the MENA region face many obstacles related to data availability, infrastructure,
and human capital. However, (Mejri, 2020) mentioned that in the economies of the three MENA
countries, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, the potential for overcoming these obstacles is there; owing
to the presence of a strong capacity for innovation, a youth eager to learn and apply AI-driven approaches,
a dynamic startup ecosystems open to new technological trends as well as a large community of diaspora,
specialized in AI, ready to help.
Another facet of responsible AI, regarded as essential within the MENA region, pertains to the
localization of AI development. Kais Mejri, former Director General for Innovation and Techno-
logical Development at the Ministry of Industry and SMEs in Tunisia, and Golestan Radwan, advisor to
the Minister for AI at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Egypt, said that
this is a common concern among the neighboringNorthAfricancountries (Mejri, 2020; Oxford
Insights, 2023). As AI continues to gain broader acceptance throughout the MENA region, both
experts suggest that these countries collectively emphasize the preservation of their cultures, the
importance of Indigenous languages and religion, and safeguarding users from AI products that lack
local data training (Arab Barometer, 2023; Pew Research Center, 2018). Sara Zaaimi, Deputy director
for communications at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs, highlighted
her concern about MENA citizens’perception and behavior towards AI: “The unavoidable debate is
how compatible AI can be with Arab societies?”(Zaaimi, 2023). She suggested that it would be
valuable to investigate how these cultures interpret transhumanism and justify the possible transition
from human dominance to the era of all-knowing machines. However, it would be an oversimplification
to underestimate the resourcefulness and adaptability of Arab youth, considering their adept utilization
of social media for political activism. These mutual priorities, alongside other common challenges the
region faces, underscore Golestan Radwan and Mejri’s belief in the untapped potential of cross-border
Figure 1. National AI strategies in the 2022 AI Index Rankings. The ranking is based on 39 indicators
across 10 dimensions, constituting three pillars: the Government pillar, the Technology Sector pillar, and
the Data & Infrastructure pillar (Oxford Insights, 2023).
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collaboration to develop shared solutions for MENA countries. Progress in this context, such as
establishing a common AI Strategy for Arab countries, has the potential to significantly advance AI
readiness in the near future (Mejri, 2020; Oxford Insights, 2023).
Digital economy (or payment) is key to successful AI implementation due to its role in providing real-
time transactional data, which aids in training AI for pattern recognition and prediction. Companies like
Visa and Mastercard leverage this data for fraud detection and personalization. Additionally, digital
payments integrating AI technologies enhance payment processes, as seen with PayPal’s fraud detection
and Square’s insights. AI also boosts security by detecting fraud, exemplified by Stripe’s monitoring for
example. Moreover, AI-driven analysis of consumer behavior enables personalized services, and the
growth of digital payments supports scalable innovations like mobile banking and blockchain. Overall,
digital payments are crucial for advancing AI through data, security, personalization, and scalability.
The World Bank (2022) highlighted a digital paradox, unique to the MENA region: “While MENA
countries’populations have embraced social media use –more than expected given their levels of GDP
per capita –the populations’usage of the Internet and digital tools like mobile money to pay for services is
lower than expected given country income levels.”Efforts are required to boost the supportive
regulatory structure for e-commerce dealings, encompassing electronic signatures, safeguards for data
privacy, and cybersecurity. Addressing the digital paradox by giving precedence to necessary reforms
aimed at boosting the adoption of digital payments is vital for expediting the transformation of the digital
economy (The World Bank, 2022). It has been speculated thatreluctance to employ digital technology for
financial transactions often stems from a deficiency in societal trust in low and middle-income MENA
countries towards government and corporate entities, along with regulatory obstacles that impede the
digital transformation process.
4. Current efforts in global AI Governance in MENA countries
The government’’s readiness index for AI ranks governments worldwide based on their willingness to
implement AI in providing public services to their citizens (Oxford Insights, 2023). Since the initiation of
the Government AI Readiness Index in 2017, the British firm Oxford Insights has observed an expansion
of AI strategies on a global scale, signifying the acknowledgment of AI as a pivotal technology by
governments. Annually releasing the Government AI Readiness Index provides an overview of global
progress. The globe is divided into nine regions, utilizing a combination of UN and World Bank regional
groupings. Each region undergoes a thorough analysis, incorporating insights from interviews held with
regional experts, index scores, and desk research. The ranking is based on 39 indicators across 10 dimen-
sions, constituting 3 pillars: the Government pillar, the Technology Sector pillar, and the Data &
Infrastructure pillar.
According to the 2022 Index Rankings, since 2020, the regions of MENA and East Asia have
experienced the most significant growth in the number of countries adopting national AI strategies
(Figure 2) (Oxford Insights, 2023).
The MENA region exhibits the second-widest spectrum of scores among all global regions. A
significant divergence in scores is apparent between Middle Eastern nations, with an average of 51.14,
and North African countries, with an average of 38.59. Nevertheless, Egypt and Tunisia surpass their
North African neighbors, securing positions within the top ten in the region. Egypt’’s success is attributed
to its performance in the Government pillar (Vision, Governance and Ethics, Digital Capacity and
Adaptability). At the same time, Tunisia excels in the Data & Infrastructure pillar (Maturity, Innovation
Capacity, and Human Capital) (Oxford Insights, 2023).
4.1 Successful examples of AI strategy setup
Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia were among the early adopters of AI strategies, all expressing their
aspirations to attain global leadership in AI. Saudi Arabia has released a preliminary edition of its
forthcoming AI Ethics Principles and initiated a public consultation to gather feedback, signifying a
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significant step forward (Saudi Data and AI Authority, 2022). Nevertheless, in addition to focusing on
ethical principles, the country’’s comparatively low rating in Data representativeness, compared to
countries with similar scores suggests that the country should prioritize expanding its inclusion efforts
to ensure that AI initiatives meet the needs of all service users. In the broader regional context, additional
indications of progress are evident, with Jordan as an upper-middle income country from MENA having
released its National AI Code of Ethics in 2022, published in English and Arabic (Government of Jordan,
2022), and ongoing efforts to develop the Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI.
Similar to Jordan, Oman has published its strategy in 2021 (MSC, 2023; Prabhu, 2021). Both countries
are considered as a new wave of countries where AI is not merely treated as an independent sector but is
viewed as an opportunity to expedite digital development and innovation within other key sectors.
In 2019, the Egyptian government established the National Council for AI to craft Egypt’’s AI strategy
(The National Council of Artificial Intelligence, 2019), which has helped improve its ranking in relevant
global indicators. Egypt has even introduced its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which includes
some basic mentions of ethical considerations. Nevertheless, significant inquiries persist regarding the
degree of involvement of local citizens and their subsequent implementation of these ambitious inter-
national and national regulations and strategies in real-world scenarios.
In Palestine (a war-torn MENA country), the applications address several sectors including energy
(Salah et al., 2022), health (Almansi et al., 2021; Malaysha et al., 2022), and business (Hamdan et al.,
2022), to cite a few. Despite the war conditions, the country succeeded in releasing its strategy in the
governmental Artificial Intelligence Platform (Palestinian Government, 2021). This strategy does not
appear in international reports mapping and analyzing national strategies in the region.
Across these countries, common ethical considerations include ensuring fairness, avoiding bias,
protecting privacy, and establishing transparent and accountable AI systems. Each nation may tailor its
approach based on cultural, legal, and societal norms. However, common challenges include the need for
skilled workforce development, infrastructure enhancement, and navigating ethical considerations. Each
country tailors its AI strategy to its unique economic and social context. Overall, these strategies signal a
broad commitment to leveraging AI for transformative impacts on national development and techno-
logical advancement. Saudi Arabia aims to become a global leader in AI and technology by 2030,
alongside Qatar and the UAE. It has opened a public consultation for feedback on its strategy draft. This is
important progress. Oman and Jordan have joined a new wave of countries prioritizing AI not as an
Figure 2. Percentage of countries in each region with published national AI strategy (Oxford Insights,
2023).
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Table 1. A comparative analysis of national AI strategies in the MENA
Countries Initiatives Focus Areas Ethical considerations Challenges
Release
date Reference
UAE The UAE AI Strategy 2031 aims
to make the country a global
leader in AI by 2031aims to
achieve the objectives of
UAE Centennial 2071 (a
long-term vision to make the
UAE one of the world’’s top
nations by 2071, focusing on
sustainability and prosperity)
The UAE is a leader in AI
adoption with a strong
emphasis on smart
cities, transportation,
and healthcare
Ethical AI Framework: The UAE
has been proactive in developing
an ethical AI framework. They
have established the UAE AI
Ethics Committee to ensure
responsible AI development.
Transparency: Emphasis on
transparency and accountability
in AI systems to build user trust.
Addressing ethical concerns
and ensuring data privacy
Draw talent, exemplified by
the recent revision of visa
rules for highly skilled
workers in the UAE
2017 (National program
for artificial
intelligence, 2018;
UAE
Government,
2022)
Saudi Arabia The Saudi Data and AI
Authority (SDAIA) is
spearheading various AI
initiatives, with collaboration
and partnerships with global
tech firms
Saudi Arabia has a strong
focus on AI for Vision
2030, targeting
multiple sectors
including healthcare,
finance, and energy
Ethics in Vision 2030: As part of
Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is
likely to integrate ethical
considerations into its AI
strategy, aligning technological
advancements with cultural and
religious values.
Regulatory Framework:
Establishing a robust regulatory
framework to govern AI
applications ethically.
Saudi Arabia has published a draft
version of its upcoming AI Ethics
Principles and has opened a
public consultation for feedback
on this
Balancing traditional values
with rapid technological
changes
2022 (Saudi Data and AI
Authority, 2022)
Qatar Qatar National AI Strategy 2022
aims to enhance economic
diversification through AI
technologies.
Qatar is leveraging AI for
smart cities,
healthcare, and
education.
Emphasis on Ethical AI: Qatar has
expressed a commitment to
ethical AI, ensuring that AI
technologies align with their
cultural and social values.
Privacy Concerns: Privacy is a key
ethical consideration, and Qatar
is likely to address this in the
context of AI applications.
A small population size can
limit the local talent pool
2019 (Qatar Government,
2019)
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Jordan The National AI Strategy aims
to enhance economic
competitiveness and create
high-tech job opportunities.
Jordan is emphasizing AI
in healthcare,
education, and
finance.
Incorporating Ethical Principles:
Jordan is expected to incorporate
ethical principles into its AI
strategy, focusing on fairness,
accountability, and transparency.
Public Engagement: Inclusivity and
involving the public in decision-
making processes to address
ethical concerns.
Approved the National Charter of
Ethics for Artificial Intelligence
in 2022
Limited resources and the
need for greater
investment.
2021 (Government of
Jordan, 2022)
Egypt The government launched the
National AI Strategy in 2019,
aiming to position Egypt as a
regional and global hub for
AI.
Egypt has been investing
in AI with a focus on
sectors like
healthcare,
agriculture, and
transportation
Ethical Guidelines: Egypt is likely
to consider ethical guidelines in
its AI strategy to address
concerns related to privacy, bias,
and fairness.
Cultural Sensitivity: Considering
the diverse cultural context,
ensuring that AI systems are
culturally sensitive might be an
ethical priority
Limited infrastructure and a
need for skills
development
2019 (The National
Council of
artificial
intelligence,
2019)
Oman Building a robust AI ecosystem,
developing AI talent,
promoting AI adoption, and
ensuring ethical and
responsible AI use
Fostering partnerships between
academia and industry and
establishing innovation
centers for AI
Advance AI education and
training, which involves the
creation of the Oman AI
Academy.
Oman has shown interest
in AI applications in
sectors such as
healthcare, education,
and industry.
Have already initiated measures to
guarantee ethical and responsible
use of AI, including the
formation of the Oman AI Ethics
Committee. This committee is
tasked with formulating
guidelines and regulations
governing the use of AI in Oman.
Emerging as a frontrunner in
the advancement and
application of AI
technologies in the
Middle East, Oman is
strategically positioned to
achieve its goal of
transforming into a
knowledge-based
economy by 2040,
supported by both the
government and the
private sector
2021 (MSC, 2023)
(Continued)
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Table 1. Continued
Countries Initiatives Focus Areas Ethical considerations Challenges
Release
date Reference
Palestine Development of a national AI
strategy.
Crafting of an ethical and legal
framework to counter
potential AI risks.
Formulation of a strategic action
plan tailored to local
challenges and opportunities
Support of the
Sustainable
Development Goals.
Enhancement of regional
cooperation.
Prioritization of lifelong
education.
Boost in AI research
investments.
Building a sustainable
and competitive AI
sector
Establishment of an ethical and
legal framework to reduce
AI-related risks.
Concerns about bias in AI.
Data privacy and protection.
Prevention of illicit uses of AI
Liability related to the use of
AI technologies.
Societal risks and
implications.
Economic shifts due to AI.
Addressing issues at
different levels due to the
increase in AI technology
adoption.
2021 (Palestinian
Government,
2021)
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isolated sector but as a catalyst for accelerating digital development and innovation across other key areas.
While the outcomes of AI strategies in the other countries, cited above, are still evolving, the establish-
ment of these strategies represents a significant step toward their success. Table 1 illustrates a comparison
between these different released strategies in the region. Only MENA countries that have established their
AI strategies are included in Table 1.
4.2 Key initiatives in launching AI ecosystem in North African countries, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine
The North African countries within the Maghreb region, namely Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco—
currently lack national AI strategies. However, each is seeing the emergence of an AI ecosystem at
varying stages of development. In the absence of formal strategies, these countries are making efforts to
prepare for the AI revolution. To advance common solutions across MENA and provide insights into the
region’’s AI landscape in the region, the Science for Africa Foundation organized a North African
convening in Cairo in September 2023 (CPHIA, 2023). This event brought together experts, policy-
makers, and stakeholders from Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya to discuss their countries’’ readiness
to implement and leverage responsible and sustainable AI, with a particular focus on health and medical
applications. The discussions identified key steps needed at the national level to ensure the effective
implementation of AI strategies, where they exist (CPHIA, 2023). Experts highlighted that without ethical
and responsible use, data strategies and AI solutions may technically function but fail to deliver the
desired outcomes. Data governance remains essential for a successful AI strategy across all applications,
as it is fundamental to building trustworthy and responsible AI.
The following section will map the key players in the AI ecosystem of the Maghreb countries (Tunisia,
Morocco, and Algeria), as well as Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. This will include government bodies,
research institutions, startups, and civil society organizations, and will highlight the major ongoing
initiatives (Mejri, 2020; Oxford Insights, 2020). Indeed, Libya (a war-torn MENA country) and Mauri-
tania as Maghreb countries, as of now, do not exhibit a critical mass of actors or a sufficiently significant
dynamic in the field of AI to form a viable ecosystem.
4.2.1. Tunisia
Tunisia leads in Maghreb’’s AI readiness, ranking 69th globally, 2nd in Africa, and 7th in the Arab
world (Mejri, 2020; Oxford Insights, 2023). Since 2018, Tunisia has taken significant steps to
establish an AI ecosystem. Notable initiatives include the Ministry of Higher Education and
Scientific Research’’s TASK FORCE IA in April 2018, aiming to develop a national strategy
(Leaders, 2019), but facing challenges due to political instability. In April 2019, the Ministry of
Industry and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises launched the AI Roadmap as part of the “Industry
4.0”strategy (GIZ, 2020), leading to impactful actions such as the Smart Industry Forum 2019 and
the annual hackathon and competition AI Hack Tunisia (InstaDeep, 2019). The ministry’’s collab-
orations with the National School of Administration of Tunis resulted in an AI chair and a training
campaign for 5000 public officials in December 2020 (Mejri, 2020). Several universities introduced
AI in their curricula, with plans for a new engineering school focusing solely on AI. Pristini School
of AI (https://www.pristiniaiuniversity.tn/fr) is the first university to specialize in AI in Tunisia and
Africa. TUNBERT initiatives (https://github.com/instadeepai/tunbert) by Tunisian startups focused
on natural language processing developed for the Arabic dialect spoken in Tunisia and for under-
represented languages (InstaDeep, 2021). Looking ahead, the National Council of the Order of
Veterinarians is finalizing the AGRIVET SMART standards framework for AI in Agrifood and
animal husbandry, providing guidelines and a structured approach for evaluation. Moreover, Tunisia
has a dynamic AI startup ecosystem (Startup Tunisia, 2020), with InstaDeep as a standout success
(https://www.instadeep.com/). In 2018, the Tunisian government took a significant step to foster
innovation by introducing the “Startup Act”(n°2018–20), a legal framework specifically designed
to benefit innovators, startups, entrepreneurs, and investors. “Startup Act”not only provides
entrepreneurs with creation leave and grants but also offers startups essential tax exemptions and
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salary coverage, while investors enjoy tax relief (Startup Tunisia, 2020). These measures have
collectively created a supportive environment that has significantly boosted AI innovation and
growth in Tunisia.
4.2.2. Algeria
Mejri (2020) highlighted the limited AI initiatives in Algeria. In 2019, the Ministry of Higher Education
and Scientific Research attempted to establish a “National Strategic Plan for Artificial Intelligence 2020–
2030”through a workshop (CERIST, 2019). The workshop aimed to create a roadmap involving
education, research, and the societal impact of AI. The Center for Advanced Technologies Development
participated, presenting Algeria’’s AI research status (Centre de Développement des Technologies
Avancées, 2019). Despite recommendations for a white paper to boost economic intelligence, no strategy
or document has been developed. Notably, Algeria is absent from the 2020 “AI Readiness Index”global
ranking (Oxford Insights, 2020). Recently, Algeria enacted Law 18–07 in 2023 to regulate personal data
use and set up the National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data to ensure compliance across
public and private entities (Africa Business Intelligence, 2024).
4.2.3. Morocco
The mapping of initiatives in Morocco was also mentioned in Mejri’s(2020) report. Several
initiatives have been undertaken in Morocco with the aim of placing AI at the forefront of public
discourse and enhancing the role of research structures in the development of intelligent solutions.
Morocco has undertaken impactful initiatives in AI and technology development. The UNESCO &
UMP6 Initiative, originating from the Forum on Artificial Intelligence in Africa 2018, resulted in the
adoption of the Benguérir Declaration, emphasizing the promotion of AI for human-centered
development aligned with human rights principles (UMP6, 2018). The AL-KHAWARIZMI R&D
Program launched by the government allocates a substantial budget of 50 million dirhams to
encourage applied scientific research in AI and its applications (Agence de développement digital
2020). Additionally, universities and engineering schools in Morocco have launched various initia-
tives for human capital training in AI. The School of AI in Fes (EIDIA), established in 2019, and the
“AI Movement”at UM6P in 2021 aim to position Morocco as a regional hub for impactful AI
strategically, educationally, and industrially (Jeune Afrique, 2019). Further, the UM6P Data Center
and Supercomputer Initiative in 2021, certified Tier III and Tier IV, houses the most powerful
Supercomputer in Africa, solidifying Morocco’’s standing in the global Top 100 smart centers
(Femmes du Maroc, 2021). The Cities of Trades and Skills Program forms the backbone of a new
roadmap for vocational training, hosting an annual cohort of 34,000 trainees across multisectoral
vocational platforms (Mejri, 2020).
4.2.4. Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine
Artificial intelligence and machine learning research are increasingly used in Lebanon in varied domains
such as banks, health education (Doumat et al., 2022) and clinical applications (Mahalingam, 2023; Saab
et al., 2020; Azoury et al., 2021), sentiment analysis (Al Omari et al., 2019), conflict (Mhanna et al.,
2023), smart cities (Natafgi et al., 2018) and agriculture (Htitiou et al., 2021). Research and projects in AI
governance are virtually non-existent. In Lebanon, most universities offer machine learning and AI
applications courses. Besides, two universities have implemented a master’’ s program in AI including an
MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence (online) at the Lebanese American University (Lebanese American
University, 2023) and Université Saint Joseph (Université Saint Joseph, 2023).
In Syria (a war-torn MENA country), the absence of an AI governance strategy is similar. The AI
applications encompass a variety of fields including the environmental sector (Htitiou et al., 2021), food
security in war zones (Weiffen et al., 2022), and medicine (Abood, 2022; Weiffen et al., 2022).
Given the occupation in Palestine, the war in Syria the precarious economic situation in Lebanon, and a
well-known corruption background in Lebanon (Barroso Cortés and Kéchichian, 2020; Cortés and
e83-10 Hana Trigui et al.
https://doi.org/10.1017/dap.2024.85 Published online by Cambridge University Press
Kairouz, 2023) and Syria (Valter, 2018), the absence of such a strategy is understandable. Despite
Palestine having published its AI strategy, the catastrophic impact and cost of Israeli occupation in
Palestine led to de-development (Shikaki, 2023, ESCWA, 2022, UNCTAD, 2017), making the imple-
mentation of the strategy very challenging.
5. Conclusion
The dimension of Governance and Ethics emerges as a critical aspect of AI readiness for the MENA
region. Gulf states are investing heavily in technology and are the front-runner in the AI race in the region.
However, most MENA middle and low-income countries do not currently have national AI strategies for
several reasons including wars/conflicts issues and socio-economic and political instability. Nevertheless,
an embryonic AI ecosystem is emerging, especially in the three Maghreb countries, with varying degrees
of maturity. While awaiting the development of such strategies, governments have already begun
launching various initiatives to prepare their countries for this new technological revolution. A key
challenge for the MENA region is transitioning from academic AI concepts to practical, innovative-driven
applications. To address this, fostering collaborative solutions among MENA countries could accelerate
progress, with the possibility of establishing a unified AI strategy for Arab nations. This would not only
enhance AI readiness but also help preserve cultural heritage, protect indigenous languages, and ensure
that AI systems are trained on local data towards customized and accurate outcomes. Additionally, with
the region’’s slow digitalization and adoption of AI, early investment in robust regulations and digital
literacy could shape the sector’s long-term growth. Balancing these efforts with the push for technological
advancement is crucial for successful AI integration.
Preparing future generations for digital skills is also critical. Governments must invest in training and
reskilling programs, ensuring that both the current workforce and younger generations are equipped with
the necessary digital competencies to thrive in an AI-driven world. Developing professional retraining
plans will allow individuals to transition into AI and technology roles, further strengthening the region’’s
capabilities.
However, a major obstacle in achieving these goals is the intense competitiveness in the AI field, which
has driven high demand for skilled professionals and led to significantly higher salaries for those with the
necessary expertise. This demand has contributed to a brain drain, with many AI experts in the MENA
region seeking opportunities abroad. To overcome this, governments must not only focus on infrastruc-
ture and strategy but also implement policies to develop, attract, and retain AI talents. By addressing both
AI adoption and the retention of skilled professionals, along with providing education and reskilling
opportunities, the region can ensure sustainable progress in its AI landscape.
Furthermore, the absence of a data culture and the need to secure high-quality data by both
governments and private entities across all levels in major low-income MENA countries is essential.
This must be accompanied by the necessary measures for data protection through responsible and ethical
use. Establishing these data practices will be a key foundation for AI development in the region, ensuring
trust and promoting innovation while safeguarding privacy and integrity.
Data availability. This work is based on a report we originally submitted to the United Nations Call for Papers on Global AI
Governance (https://www.un.org/techenvoy/ai-advisory-body). The insights and research contained herein are drawn from that
report, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing discourse on global AI governance through this
extended work.
Acknowledgments. The authors would like to thank Amine Sghaier (Novation City, Sousse (Tunisia)) for providing resources
about the recent initiatives in Tunisia and Amine Mosbeh (National Council of the Order of Veterinarians, Tunis (Tunisia)) for
providing the draft of the AGRIVET SMART standards framework. Emna Harigua-Souiai acknowledges being a recipient of an
ARISE grant with the financial assistance of the European Union (Grant no. DCI-PANAF/2020/ 420-028), through the African
Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE), pilot programme. ARISE is implemented by the African Academy of
Sciences with support from the European Commission and the African Union Commission.
Author contribution. H. Trigui and F. Guerfali contributed to the conceptualization of the presented structure. H. Trigui wrote the
original draft and collected resources with support from C. El Morr, R. Qasrawi, Jean Jacques Rousseau, E. Harigua-Souiai,
Data & Policy e83-11
https://doi.org/10.1017/dap.2024.85 Published online by Cambridge University Press
E.S. Sokhn, J. Dzevela Kong and S. Znaidi. J. Dzevela Kong contributed to project administration and funding acquisition. All
authors contributed to writing, reviewing, and editing.
Funding statement. This work is funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) (Grant No. 109981).
Competing interest. All authors declare none.
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Cite this article: Trigui H, Guerfali F, Harigua-Souiai E, Qasrawi R, Atri C, Sokhn ES, El Morr C, Hammami K, Souiai O, Wu J,
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