By Mohamed Ali
AI Awareness and Use: More Than Just Buzz Words
A recent survey by Egypt’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) found that about 65% of Egyptians in 2026 say they’re familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini—up from only 22% just a few years earlier. Among those who know about AI, one in four uses platforms like ChatGPT in daily life. Many people are turning to these tools not only for work and study, but also to solve personal problems.
Everyday Uses You May Recognize
Advice and Personal Help
In places like Cairo and Giza, people are using AI chatbots for help with matters that once went to respected community figures—such as family advice, budgeting, or meal planning. One woman says she consulted ChatGPT when considering a suitor for her daughter, weighing concerns over employment, travel, and independence. Others use it simply for recipes, study plans, or health tips.
Farming Innovation Close to the Ground
SheGrows AI is a pilot program in Minya governorate offering advice to women farmers via WhatsApp using voice, images, and text—in colloquial Egyptian Arabic. It doesn’t replace field experts but allows digital access to verified agricultural knowledge—pest management, fertilizer timing, irrigation tasks—whenever it’s needed.
Startups Building for Local Needs
Cairo has seen AI startups grow steadily. Seed rounds in 2026 often fall between one and three million dollars—enough to build tools that solve local problems rather than create giant foundational models. A startup called Fincart raised about $2.8 million to expand its AI-powered commerce-platform offerings.
Opportunities and Concerns That Come Together
While many Egyptians see real value in AI, not all reactions are positive. Around 55% of those surveyed voiced concern about data privacy when using AI tools. Over half believe some jobs—especially clerical or factory work—could be replaced by AI over time. Trust in AI also depends on transparency: people want tools that explain their decisions, rather than acting like magic.
What This Means for Cairo and Beyond
The rise in awareness and usage shows Egypt’s AI strategy isn’t just on paper—it’s being felt in daily life. When AI supports farmers, educators, shopkeepers, or parents, it changes what people expect: faster service, clearer advice, tools that respect their language, culture and privacy.
For Cairo, that means innovations that understand Arabic colloquial speech, startups that address public concerns, and tools that are useful without being intrusive. As much as AI can bring efficiency and access, it must also earn trust.