According to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the policy introduces Egypt’s first national framework for publishing non-sensitive public data held by government entities.

The full text of the Open Data Policy is available in Arabic and English on the National Council for Artificial Intelligence’s official website, the ministry said.

The policy is based on international practices but adapted to Egypt’s priorities and sustainable development goals.

Its aim is to create a foundation for responsible data governance, encourage innovation, support the digital economy, increase government transparency, and improve public services, a ministry statement said.

Officials said the move comes as many countries adopt data-driven governance models. Egypt’s initiative seeks to promote good governance, enable individuals, businesses, and academia to use public data for new applications and services, and improve coordination among state institutions through a unified framework for data exchange.

The ministry drafted the final version of the policy, which the council approved as a reference for all government entities. This allows for institutional and technical implementation based on clear standards and procedures.

Key objectives of the policy include promoting transparency and accountability, fostering public trust, encouraging the development of innovative digital products and services, enhancing the efficiency of government service delivery, and advancing evidence-based planning and policymaking.

The statement added that the policy also aligns Egypt’s efforts with international standards, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the country’s digital transformation plans.

The policy also requires data to be provided in open, machine-readable formats, accompanied by clear documentation and metadata, ensuring usability for various users. Access will generally be free, with only small fees allowed in limited cases to cover operational costs.

Government entities must ensure datasets are accurate, complete, and consistent, with metadata specifying their source, update history, and structure.

The policy also encourages public participation, considering community feedback essential for improving data quality, setting priorities, and fostering trust between the government and its citizens.

During the transitional phase, the National Council for Artificial Intelligence will oversee implementation through a new Joint Data Access Committee, which will review and approve datasets for release.

Each government body will also appoint Open Data Officers tasked with identifying, classifying, and publishing datasets, maintaining quality, and coordinating with the technical committee.

These responsibilities will later shift to the Egyptian Data Governance Authority (EDGA) once it is established under the new law.

Meanwhile, the ministry has launched a capacity-building plan to support the policy. This includes staff training and developing a unified national open data portal, frameworks for evaluation, and mechanisms to engage with the public, in collaboration with various ministries and government agencies.