Egypt is preparing to host the inaugural edition of the “AI Everything – Middle East & Africa” Summit and Expo, the region’s largest and most anticipated artificial intelligence (AI) event, set to take place on February 11–12, 2026, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.
The announcement was made during a high-profile orientation event attended by Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, alongside senior officials, global technology leaders, and AI stakeholders. The summit is organized by GITEX GLOBAL, in strategic partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), and will welcome participants from over 60 countries.
A Regional Hub for AI and Innovation
Positioned as a major regional and international milestone, the “AI Everything – Middle East & Africa” Summit is part of the globally recognized GITEX event series.
The summit will offer a comprehensive agenda featuring policy dialogues, advanced technology showcases, and strategic networking forums. Key topics to be explored include AI infrastructure development, ethical AI implementation, and the integration of AI across sectors such as fintech, health tech, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and digital public services. It will also serve as a platform to examine the potential and challenges of large language models, AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things), cloud computing, and machine learning in regional development.
Egypt’s National AI Ecosystem Gains Global Recognition
Dr. Amr Talaat emphasized that Egypt’s selection to host this landmark event reflects growing international confidence in the country’s evolving AI landscape. Over the past several years, Egypt has taken significant steps toward establishing a robust AI ecosystem, beginning with the launch of its first National AI Strategy in 2019.
The strategy has since evolved into a second, expanded edition launched earlier this year, which focuses on six key pillars: enabling broad access to computational resources for both public institutions and startups; regulating and governing the use of data as a foundation for AI systems; developing applied AI technologies through the Ministry’s Applied Innovation Center; investing in digital capacity-building to develop a skilled AI workforce; increasing public awareness of the benefits and risks of AI; and creating a supportive legal and regulatory framework.
These initiatives have contributed to Egypt’s advancement by 46 positions in the Global Government AI Readiness Index, reinforcing the country’s strategic focus on leveraging AI for inclusive economic and digital transformation.
A Global Stage for Partnerships and Investment
The AI Everything summit is expected to attract a diverse audience of policymakers, multinational corporations, venture capitalists, research institutions, and AI startups. One of its key highlights will be a ministerial-level policy forum, offering a platform for regional governments to align on responsible AI practices. The summit will also include an international hackathon, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and early-stage companies to develop AI-driven solutions for regional challenges.
In parallel, a large-scale startup and investor expo will be hosted to foster connections between innovators and funding institutions, facilitating cross-border investment in AI technologies and showcasing Egypt’s growing startup ecosystem. Cairo is increasingly being recognized as a competitive hub for digital innovation in the Middle East and Africa.
Industry and Global Partners Recognize Egypt’s AI Leadership
Event organizers and partners have reiterated Egypt’s rising influence in the AI sector, noting that the country’s young talent, skilled workforce, and expanding tech infrastructure make it a natural host for a summit of this scale. ITIDA’s leadership continues to position Egypt as a reliable platform for international tech dialogue, reinforced by its role in organizing global events such as the Global Semiconductor Alliance Summit, ISTQB Global Testing Day, and the DevOpsDays series.
ITIDA also supports the development of export-driven digital services and is working to integrate AI into Egypt’s broader economic development strategy through partnerships, innovation programs, and international cooperation.
Looking Ahead: Aligning Global AI with Egypt’s 2030 Vision
The AI Everything – MEA summit will play a central role in aligning global best practices in AI with Egypt’s National AI Strategy 2025–2030. It will also spotlight the country’s competitive strengths in digital services, chip design, embedded systems, and innovation by tech startups.
A panel discussion titled “The Future of AI in Egypt” took place part of the orientation event, bringing together regional executives and experts to discuss how global and local companies can support Egypt’s digital transformation. Discussions centered on Egypt’s potential to become a global competitor in AI innovation, the importance of empowering youth and startups, and the need for robust partnerships between the public and private sectors.
The orientation event was hosted at the Digital Egypt Innovation Center – Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace, with participation from key international and local stakeholders, including representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Embassy of Pakistan, government agencies, academic institutions, and leading private sector executives.
Egypt’s hosting of AI Everything – Middle East & Africa underscores its role as a regional leader in digital transformation and innovation, and reflects the nation’s long-term commitment to shaping the future of AI at both the regional and global levels.
