Cairo: Egypt will host the first edition of the 'AI Everything Middle East and Africa' summit and exhibition from February 10 to 12, 2026.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the event is organized by GITEX GLOBAL in strategic partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). The summit will bring together decision-makers, major global corporations, AI startups, experts, specialists, and investors from over 60 countries around the world.
The summit is considered the most prominent tech event in the region, serving as a strategic platform for exchanging expertise, exploring investment opportunities, and fostering international partnerships in advanced technology. The event will highlight real-world applications of artificial intelligence across vital sectors and is part of the global GITEX series, aiming at supporting digital transformation and innovation.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat stated that Egypt's hosting of this event reflects its prestigious status on the regional and global tech map, and affirms international confidence in Egypt's technological and human capabilities. He added that the event underscores Egypt's commitment to actively participating in global efforts to harness AI technologies for economic and social development.
Talaat further explained that AI has become a cornerstone of Egypt's digital strategy due to its pivotal role in driving digital economic growth and achieving sustainable development. He expounded that AI is reshaping global competitiveness and opening new horizons for nations striving for progress and leadership. Talaat added that Egypt is steadily advancing in employing AI to serve society.
'Hosting this international event is a significant step toward supporting the implementation of the National AI Strategy and accelerating AI adoption across key sectors - contributing to the building of an inclusive and competitive digital economy,' he added.
Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of Egypt's ITIDA, said launching the 'AI Everything' event marks a strategic milestone in Egypt's journey to becoming a leading regional hub for AI, innovation, and development. He emphasized the event's role in placing Egypt at the heart of the global technology dialogue, positioning it as a key partner in shaping the future of AI.
'The event aims to attract investment, foster impactful partnerships, support technology transfer, and empower startups to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions,' he said. He added that ITIDA is focused on enabling Egyptian companies to develop AI solutions and applications, noting that the event will extend beyond the ICT sector to include the broader business community and various economic sectors - where AI is now a key driver of development and sustainable growth.
The event is set to feature a high-level ministerial summit focused on AI policy, along with an international exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and AI applications. It will also include specialized panel discussions covering topics, such as large language models, machine learning, cloud computing, and Artificial Intelligence of Things.
To support innovation and entrepreneurship, the summit will offer extensive networking opportunities with elite global investors. More than 200 venture capital investors from the GITEX GLOBAL network are expected to participate. The summit will also include an innovation hackathon to inspire youth and direct technological talents toward practical and experimental projects, supported by technical mentorship.
It's worth noting that Egypt's hosting of this major event crowns a fast-paced effort to advance AI development and deployment in the region by enhancing cooperation between governments, businesses, and innovators, and by accelerating the implementation of national AI strategies in the Middle East and Africa. The event reflects Egypt's ongoing commitment to AI, demonstrated by launching two versions of its National AI Strategy, establishing the National AI Council, creating the Applied Innovation Center, investing in human capital development, and building advanced digital infrastructure to support AI applications.