AI Everything 2026 kicks off in Cairo
The summit, organized by GITEX Global and hosted by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) alongside the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), is part of Egypt’s second national AI strategy, which aims to attract investment and generate an estimated $42.7 billion in AI-related economic value by 2030.
US artificial intelligence companies are increasingly viewing Egypt as a regional hub for expansion, talent development, and digital innovation, Evyenia Sidereas, chargé d’affaires at the US embassy in Cairo, told Ahram Online on the sidelines of the event.
Sidereas told Ahram Online that American AI firms are not only seeking to expand their customer base across sectors such as healthcare, education, banking, and government services, but are also investing in local capacity building.
“Several US companies are working with Egyptian universities to offer free certification and training programmes aimed at bridging the gap between academic study and labour market needs,” she said, adding that these initiatives aim to prepare young Egyptians for well-paying jobs.
She said Egypt’s large, educated population and its position linking Africa, the Middle East, and Europe could enable it to play a leading role in AI, provided regulatory and bureaucratic reforms continue.
Sidereas praised the role of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and affiliated entities in organising the event, describing it as an important platform for dialogue between government and industry.
“The conference highlights the opportunities Egypt offers and opens discussions on how to create a level playing field that encourages global investment while responding to local market needs,” she said.
Asked what US companies expected from the event, Sidereas said firms were focused on delivering secure AI systems, particularly in sectors handling financial services and sensitive data.
“Trust, data protection, and cybersecurity are essential. US companies have a strong track record in these areas and are highly responsive to feedback from governments, businesses, and consumers,” she said.
She added that most US firms operating in Egypt prioritize local hiring and training rather than importing foreign labour, to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sidereas also welcomed Egyptian government efforts to promote what she described as responsible AI use, including safeguards against misuse and misinformation.
“Egypt has the potential to play a much larger role in AI across the Middle East and Africa,” she said, citing the country’s free trade agreements and growing digital infrastructure as key enablers.
Open-source oversight key as AI systems grow more autonomous
As AI systems evolve beyond chat-based tools into increasingly autonomous agents, stronger oversight and transparency are becoming essential to protect security, privacy, and public trust, US computer scientist Margaret Mitchell said.