Source: almussawar
Cairo
In the context of current economic transformations, digital transformation has become a fundamental and undeniable factor, serving as a key driver of national competitiveness. In this regard, Dr. Khairy Ahmed Al-Kabash, Head of the Policies and Legislation Committee at the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, discussed the importance of digital transformation at present, considering it a pressing strategic necessity, not merely a development option. Given the rapid global shift towards a digital economy reliant on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, Arab countries are compelled to reconsider their traditional economic models.
In his interview with “Al-Musawwar”, he added that the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, which was established within the framework of the Council of Arab Economic Unity of the League of Arab States, represents a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting digital transformation in the region through the development of strategic visions and the launch of practical initiatives, to building international partnerships that contribute to strengthening the Arab role in the global digital economy.
Interview by: Mahmoud Kandil
To begin with, tell us about the formulation of the Arab Union’s vision for the digital economy and its most important pillars?
The Union is making a significant contribution to the development of the Arab Vision for the Digital Economy, a strategic framework aimed at helping Arab countries build an integrated digital economy based on knowledge and technology, with the participation of a host of global experts, most notably Harvard University, the World Bank, the United Nations, Cairo University, and a large group of international and Arab experts and institutions.
This vision came in response to the profound changes taking place in the global digital economy, where digital technologies have become a key element in all economic sectors from industry and services to trade, education and finance. It represents a reference framework that helps decision-makers in Arab countries formulate national policies related to digital transformation in line with global economic changes. The vision presents a set of key axes that include developing digital infrastructure, promoting innovation, developing digital skills, stimulating investment in technology, in addition to supporting integration among Arab countries.
Has the Union offered any digital education initiatives, information platforms, or training programs?
Certainly, the Union launched the Arab Platform for Digital Education initiative in cooperation with the Association of Arab Universities. This platform aims to provide training and educational programs in Arabic in the fields of digital economy, entrepreneurship, and technology. This initiative aims to support the building of a new generation of Arab talents capable of dealing with the requirements of the digital economy, by providing modern educational content based on digital and interactive learning tools. This is achieved through cooperation with Arab universities and educational institutions to develop specialized training programs that contribute to qualifying young people for the labor market in the digital sectors. This project represents one of the main pillars in the Union’s vision to promote digital knowledge in the region, considering that building human capabilities is the basic pillar of any sustainable economic transformation.
Have these initiatives translated into practical results in employing technology to support the economy?
The Union is always working on developing practical initiatives that contribute to employing technology in supporting trade and the economy. Perhaps the most prominent of these initiatives is the Arab Digital Food Market, known as Arab Food Hub, which is a digital platform that aims to support trade in the food and agricultural products sector among Arab countries. The idea of the project is based on creating a digital market that connects producers, exporters and importers in the region, which contributes to facilitating trade and enhancing Arab economic integration. The project also relies on the use of advanced digital technologies such as data analysis and artificial intelligence to improve marketing and trade exchange processes.
In addition to this vital project, the Union has other projects in the agricultural and commercial sector, such as the Egyptian Crops Platform, which the Union supports and contributes to developing, and which supports the export of Egyptian agricultural products and ensures the governance of export procedures, in addition to other agricultural services that rely on blockchain and artificial intelligence to provide agricultural guidance services and control the movement of seeds and fertilizers in a smart way. The Union seeks soon to transfer this experience to the rest of the Arab world.
How harmonious and aligned are the Arab states in order to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Union?
Joint institutional action among Arab countries is a key factor in enhancing the region’s ability to benefit from the opportunities offered by this transformation. Through its various initiatives, the Arab Union for Digital Economy seeks to contribute to building an integrated Arab system that supports innovation and technology and opens new horizons for economic development. The biggest challenge remains in transforming these initiatives into large-scale practical projects that contribute to creating job opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of Arab economies in a world that is rapidly moving towards digitalization.
Does the Egyptian state have an active role in supporting the Arab digital transformation of the economy?
Egypt represents a key pillar in the Arab digital economy, given its vast human capital, scientific expertise, and well-established educational and research institutions. In this context, the Union is working to strengthen cooperation with Egyptian academic and research institutions, as well as supporting initiatives that contribute to the development of the digital economy in the region. Egypt also represents a promising market for many Arab digital initiatives, whether in the fields of digital education, e-commerce, or technological innovation. This cooperation reflects a growing awareness of the important role Egypt can play in supporting the Arab digital transformation, especially in light of the rapid development of the country’s digital infrastructure.
What is the vision of the Union’s Policy and Legislation Committee for achieving adequate legal protection for its human and productive components?
The Committee on Policies and Legislation called for the launch of a unified Arab Charter for the Digital Economy as a legislative and strategic pillar for establishing a common Arab digital market capable of competing globally, and ensuring the protection of the Arab consumer, producer and worker in the digital space. It put forward this proposal during the meeting of the Economic and Financial Committee in the Arab Parliament, especially since the Arab digital economy will not reach the stage of global competitiveness, and will not achieve sufficient legal protection for its human and productive components, unless the Arab countries move from scattered digital initiatives to an existing and enforceable Arab legal framework that regulates the movement of data, payments and basic digital services within a common Arab legal jurisdiction.
Has the EU Legislative Committee established legal rules for the governance of artificial intelligence?
Indeed, artificial intelligence is the most influential pillar in the development of the digital economy. However, the absence of a unified Arab framework leaves its applications in the region vulnerable to regulatory disparities, weak legal protection, and a lack of ethical standards. The Arab Charter project will provide a legislative framework for establishing unified rules for AI governance, including the protection of personal data, ensuring transparency and non-discrimination in algorithms, and defining legal responsibility for the decisions of intelligent systems. This will achieve a delicate balance between encouraging technological innovation and protecting fundamental rights and freedoms.
