AI Leaders Unite in Cairo to Shape Middle East & Africa’s Tech Future
▼ Summary
– Ai Everything MEA Egypt 2026 will be held in Cairo from February 11-12, 2026, organized by GITEX GLOBAL and hosted by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
– The event aims to support Egypt’s National AI Strategy 2025-30, targeting $42.7 billion in annual AI value by 2030 and positioning Cairo as a global AI hub.
– Egypt has advanced 46 places in the global AI Readiness Index since 2019, with a strategy focused on computing access, data governance, skills, and regulatory frameworks.
– The launch event featured discussions on scaling startups, public-private partnerships, and attracting global investments, with insights from companies like IBM, HPE, and Deloitte.
– Ai Everything MEA Egypt 2026 will convene AI enterprises, startups, and policymakers from 60 countries to explore AI applications in sectors like cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health.
A landmark gathering of artificial intelligence pioneers recently took place in Cairo, signaling a major step forward for technological innovation across the Middle East and Africa. Held at the historic Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace, the exclusive launch event for Ai Everything MEA Egypt 2026 brought together government leaders, global tech executives, and top innovators to outline a collaborative vision for the region’s digital future.
Organized by GITEX GLOBAL and hosted by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency, the event set the stage for what promises to be a transformative global AI tech week in February 2026. The discussions emphasized Egypt’s goal to capture $42.7 billion in annual AI value by 2030, reinforcing Cairo’s growing reputation as a central hub for international AI cooperation.
Eng. Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA, opened the event by stating that AI has evolved from a trend into a fundamental force behind economic and social progress. He emphasized that hosting Ai Everything MEA Egypt underscores the country’s commitment to leading the global technology revolution.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, echoed this sentiment, highlighting AI’s role as the backbone of economic transformation and human capital development in Egypt. She stressed the event’s mission to empower all stakeholders, from government and private sector players to youth and startups, in shaping an AI-driven future.
H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, noted that the country’s selection as host reflects international recognition of its rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. He detailed Egypt’s National AI Strategy, which has propelled the nation 46 places up in the global AI Readiness Index since 2019. The updated strategy focuses on six core pillars: expanding computing access, ensuring strong data governance, developing AI systems for sectoral growth, building digital skills, raising public awareness, and establishing a supportive regulatory framework.
A panel discussion titled “Egypt’s AI Future” featured insights from industry leaders including representatives from IBM, HPE, Deloitte Innovation Hub, Widebot AI, Intella, and Plug & Play Tech Centre. Topics ranged from scaling startups and enhancing public-private partnerships to deploying energy-efficient AI systems and accelerating digital transformation through real-world applications.
Marwa Abbas of IBM highlighted how IBM watsonx and hybrid cloud capabilities are helping clients across the region accelerate their digital journeys. Mohamed Wasfy from HPE pointed to the company’s leadership in energy-efficient AI systems, emphasizing rapid return on investment. Ahmed Salem of Deloitte discussed the rollout of AI platforms to 200,000 users and the importance of strategic alliances.
Startup leaders Mohamed Nabil of WideBot AI and Nour Taher of Intella shared their experiences in raising global competitiveness and securing significant funding, illustrating the vibrant potential of Egypt’s innovation ecosystem.
Ai Everything MEA Egypt 2026 will take place at the NCIEC in Cairo, gathering enterprises, startups, investors, and policymakers from 60 countries. The event will feature expert-led discussions on next-generation AI infrastructure, responsible scaling, and cutting-edge applications in fields like semiconductors, cybersecurity, digital health, and fintech. It will also host one of the region’s largest startup and investor meetings, further establishing Cairo as the epicenter of AI innovation in the Middle East and Africa.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)