Egypt will host the inaugural AI Everything MEA summit on Feb. 11–12 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, organisers said, marking a major regional push to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across the Middle East and Africa.
The event, which is backed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is expected to bring together more than 350 companies, government agencies, academic institutions and technology firms from across the MEA region. Organisers described the summit as one of the largest AI-focused gatherings ever held in the region.
Discussions at the two-day event will centre on artificial intelligence infrastructure, governance frameworks, regulation and investment, as governments and private sector players seek to harness AI to drive economic growth and improve public services.
Egypt’s hosting of the summit reflects its ambition to position itself as a regional technology hub, building on recent investments in digital infrastructure, data centres and smart city projects. Officials have increasingly highlighted AI as a strategic pillar of the country’s long-term development plans.
The summit will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions and technology exhibitions showcasing AI solutions designed for regional challenges, including healthcare delivery, education access, financial inclusion, energy management and public administration, organisers said.
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Artificial intelligence has gained prominence across the Middle East and Africa as governments look to diversify their economies, boost productivity and address structural challenges such as rapid population growth and skills gaps. Several countries in the region have launched national AI strategies and increased spending on digital transformation.
In Egypt, authorities have rolled out initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access, developing local technology talent and encouraging innovation through public-private partnerships. The government has also moved to strengthen data governance and cybersecurity frameworks as digitalisation accelerates.
Organisers said the AI Everything MEA summit will provide a platform for policymakers, investors and technology companies to exchange views on best practices and regulatory approaches, with a focus on balancing innovation with ethical and security considerations.
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Governance and regulation are expected to feature prominently in discussions, as countries in the region seek to align AI deployment with international standards while addressing local concerns related to data privacy, bias and accountability.
Investment will be another key theme. Organisers said the summit aims to connect regional startups with global investors and technology partners, helping to mobilise capital for AI-driven projects and support the growth of local innovation ecosystems.
According to industry estimates, global investment in artificial intelligence has risen sharply in recent years, with emerging markets increasingly competing to attract funding and expertise. The Middle East and Africa have been identified as regions with significant growth potential, particularly in sectors such as fintech, health technology and smart infrastructure.
Egypt’s role as host underscores its strategic location bridging Africa, the Middle East and Europe, as well as its large domestic market and growing pool of technology graduates. The government has said it sees digital technologies, including AI, as critical to improving competitiveness and attracting foreign investment.
The summit will also examine the infrastructure requirements needed to scale AI adoption, including data availability, cloud computing capacity and energy supply. Experts say these factors are particularly important for emerging economies seeking to deploy AI at scale.
Organisers said more than 350 exhibitors and participants are expected to attend, reflecting strong interest from both regional and international stakeholders.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in economic and social systems, events such as AI Everything MEA are seen as opportunities for the region to shape its own AI agenda, rather than relying solely on imported technologies and policy frameworks.
For Egypt, hosting the summit is expected to reinforce its positioning as a convening platform for regional dialogue on technology, innovation and investment at a time when digital transformation is accelerating across the Middle East and Africa.
