Cairo Prepares for Landmark AI Summit
Cairo will become the focal point of artificial intelligence innovation and development in the Middle East and Africa as it hosts the inaugural Ai Everything Middle East & Africa (MEA) Egypt summit on February 11-12, 2026. The event, held under the esteemed patronage of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, is set to take place at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC). This landmark gathering is poised to be the region's first dedicated all-AI global summit and exhibition, and the world's first major AI-focused event of the year.
Organized by GITEX, recognized as the world's largest technology and AI events network, and hosted by Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in collaboration with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), the summit underscores Egypt's strategic commitment to advancing its digital economy.
Driving Egypt's National AI Strategy
The primary objective of the Ai Everything MEA Egypt summit is to significantly enhance Egypt's role in the global artificial intelligence landscape. It aims to position Cairo as a crucial hub for shaping responsible AI innovation, attracting investment, and fostering advanced digital governance. The summit is a key component in accelerating the implementation of Egypt's National AI Strategy 2025-2030, which seeks to convert advanced technologies into sustainable economic value across various sectors.
Artificial intelligence is projected to contribute approximately $1.5 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030, with Egypt aiming to unlock $42.7 billion in annual AI value by the same year. Egypt currently holds a leading position in the continent, ranking first in Africa for Government AI Readiness and third in the Arab region for AI Resilience, according to the Oxford Insights Index. The nation also plays a significant role in the development of Arabic-language AI solutions.
Global Participation and Key Focus Areas
The summit is expected to draw substantial international participation, bringing together more than 350 global enterprises, startups, investors, and innovation showcases from over 30 countries, with some reports indicating participation from over 60 countries. Attendees will explore real-world AI applications across a diverse range of sectors, including:
- Cloud computing
- Cybersecurity
- Data centers
- Telecommunications
- Government services (GovTech)
- Healthcare and digital health
- Smart mobility and smart cities
- Fintech and digital payments
- Manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture
High-level dialogues will also focus on critical topics such as governance frameworks and responsible AI, ensuring ethical deployment and risk management.
Prominent global technology leaders such as Microsoft, Cisco, HPE, Red Hat, Amazon Web Services, Capgemini, Dataiku, e& Egypt, and Fortinet are among the expected participants, alongside regional players. The agenda includes participation from more than 10 local and international ministers, as well as representatives from influential global organizations including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Presidential Endorsement and Future Vision
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's patronage of the summit underscores the central role of artificial intelligence in Egypt's strategic priorities for economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and human capital development. During his recent participation at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Switzerland, President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's commitment to expanding investment opportunities in AI and information and communications technology (ICT), emphasizing the importance of equipping future generations with relevant digital skills. This commitment reflects Egypt's ambition to serve as a bridge connecting innovation ecosystems across Africa, the Middle East, and global markets.
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