The United States reaffirmed its commitment to expanding artificial intelligence and digital technology cooperation with Egypt during the "From Silicon Valley to the Nile Valley" American Innovation and AI Forum on Tuesday, with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Robert Silverman describing Egypt as "one of the most consequential digital economies in the world" and a strategic partner for U.S. AI exports.
The forum, hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, brought together government officials and representatives of leading American technology companies to discuss AI applications, digital infrastructure, innovation, and opportunities to strengthen the U.S.-Egypt technology partnership.
Speaking at the event, Silverman said Egypt's young population, ambitious digital transformation agenda, and strategic location at the crossroads of three continents position it to become a regional digital hub.
"Americans want to be a partner as you build it," he said.
Silverman highlighted Egypt's strategic importance to the global digital economy, noting that while the Suez Canal carries roughly one-fifth of global maritime trade, the fiber-optic cables running through the canal zone transmit around 80% of internet traffic between Europe and Asia.
"Egypt is not just a regional player; it's a global player," he said.
He added that AI has become a strategic priority for the United States under President Donald Trump's AI Action Plan, which aims to accelerate AI innovation, expand digital infrastructure, and increase exports of American AI technologies to trusted partners, including Egypt.
According to Silverman, the U.S. AI Exports Program will provide integrated technology packages covering hardware, software, cloud services, cybersecurity, and sector-specific AI applications.
"The choices made today on digital infrastructure will shape Egypt's economic trajectory," he said. "Whoever builds your data centers, provides your AI systems, and lays your fiber networks will become not only your commercial partners, but your strategic partners."
Silverman said the United States offers technology built on open standards, the rule of law, and respect for national sovereignty.
"We are not here to create dependencies. We are here to work together as partners, as we have done for decades with Egypt," he said.
He also stressed that Washington is prepared to support AI collaboration through diplomatic engagement, economic assistance, and initiatives that connect Egyptian institutions and businesses with U.S. technology providers.
"The digital future will be built by those who show up, invest, and commit," Silverman said. "The United States, its government, companies, and entrepreneurs, is committed to working with Egypt as we always have."
