Communications Ministry, NDFI sign AI development agreement
The National Development Fund of Iran (NDFI) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on smart governance and AI-driven economic initiatives.
The agreement was formalized on Saturday by Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi and Mehdi Ghazanfari, CEO of the National Development Fund, IRNA reported.
The MoU aims to synergize efforts by facilitating financing for high-speed processors, boosting ICT sector investments, and developing an inclusive digital economy and AI ecosystem. It further focuses on advancing the space industry, postal services, and logistics through digital transformation, smart technologies, and innovation, while expanding markets for knowledge-based, creative, and tech-driven products and services — all in compliance with NDFI regulations.
Saving $25b in energy
Prior to the signing, Hashemi emphasized the need for nationwide tech modernization to enhance industrial productivity, saying, “By implementing smart technologies nationwide, we could boost productivity by 15% to 25%, equivalent to $25 billion in savings.”
Hashemi underscored technology’s transformative role across sectors and said, “Innovation profoundly impacts education, healthcare, services, and the economy. However, Iran ranks 60th globally in AI readiness, trailing regional peers like Saudi Arabia (14th) and the UAE (20th).”
highlighting stark investment disparities, he added, “Saudi Arabia has invested approximately $20 billion in AI and smart technologies, while the UAE allocated $1.4 billion. In contrast, Iran’s investments total under $50 million.”
The minister stressed urgent action to close this gap, stressing, “Prioritizing ICT investments — led primarily by the private sector — will help achieve our ministry’s goals within a reasonable timeframe and support this year’s national development priorities.”
“These partnerships will amplify the ICT sector’s critical role in driving economic growth and industrial production,” he said.