Ethical Governance in AI and Data Management: An African Perspective on Egypt

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data management have become integral to governance in Africa’s emerging economies, including Egypt. The rapid advancement of AI technologies has raised significant ethical concerns regarding privacy, accountability, and fairness. The study employs an analytical approach that synthesizes existing literature on ethics, privacy laws, and AI applications in public sector operations in Africa, particularly in Egypt. The analysis draws upon qualitative data from policy documents, interviews with stakeholders, and secondary research. A key finding is the significant disparity between legal frameworks governing data protection and actual practices implemented by governmental institutions in Egypt. This gap highlights a critical need for enhanced compliance mechanisms to protect citizens' privacy rights. The analysis concludes that current AI governance policies in Egypt are insufficient to address emerging ethical challenges, particularly those related to public trust and accountability. Recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks and promoting transparency in data use by government entities. Implement comprehensive privacy laws with stringent enforcement mechanisms. Encourage regular audits of AI applications for compliance with ethical standards. Foster open dialogue between policymakers, technologists, and civil society organizations to ensure ethical governance practices are prioritised.