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Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leaders Converge in Cairo to Set Momentum Towards Ai Everything Middle East & Africa (Ai Everything MEA) Egypt 2026

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Egypt

Exclusive launch event at Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace, Cairo, highlights Egypt’s AI ambitions and global collaborations ahead of Ai Everything MEA Egypt 2026

Following the show’s announcement last week, Ai Everything Middle East & Africa Egypt (https://www.AiEverythingMEA.com) marked its first milestone moment in Cairo with an exclusive launch event at the iconic Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace. Organised by GITEX GLOBAL and hosted by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in strategic partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), the launch event served as a precursor to the region’s most empowering global AI tech week, set to take place from 11-12 February 2026.

The invite-only launch event convened senior government officials, global tech executives, and the nation’s most dynamic AI innovators, alongside media, tech, and startup ecosystem guests, underscoring Egypt’s ambition to unlock $42.7 billion in annual AI value by 2030 while positioning Cairo as the global hub of AI collaboration. The discussions explored the pivotal role of Ai Everything MEA Egypt in aligning international expertise with Egypt’s National AI Strategy 2025-30, spotlighting the country’s competitive strengths in outsourced digital services, semiconductors, electronic design manufacturing, public sector transformation, startup innovations and attracting global investments.

Opening the event, Eng. Ahmed Elzaher, CEO, ITIDA stated: “AI today is no longer a trend; it is a core driver of economic and societal transformation. Hosting Ai Everything MEA Egypt is part of Egypt’s mission to remain at the forefront of the global technology revolution. This summit cements our position as a regional hub for innovation and trusted global partner in the AI era.”

Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, CEO of KAOUN International, and global organiser of GITEX and Ai Everything, further added: “AI is going to be the backbone of economic transformation, human capital growth and supremacy for Egypt, and this AI renaissance has brought Ai Everything MEA here. The show’s mission is very clear. We are here to empower the stakeholders, be it the private or public sector, as well as the youth, the talent and the startups. We are very honoured to work with the stakeholders in Egypt, giving us the chance to co-create and curate the AI future for the young talent, the businesses, the SMEs and the industries of Egypt.”

H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, shared: “Egypt’s selection to host AI Everything Middle East & Africa Egypt reflects the international community’s recognition of our country’s rapid progress and leapfrogging steps in artificial intelligence.”

“This momentum stems not only from the efforts of the Ministry, but from the collective contributions of Egypt’s entire ICT community. Since launching our first National AI Strategy in 2019, Egypt has advanced 46 places in the global AI Readiness Index. Earlier this year, we launched the second edition of the National AI Strategy, built on six key pillars: expanding access to computing resources for startups and SMEs; ensuring robust data governance; developing AI-powered systems to drive sectoral growth; building digital skills as the cornerstone of the strategy; raising public awareness around AI opportunities and risks; and establishing the regulatory and legislative framework to enable a thriving AI ecosystem.”

AI is going to be the backbone of economic transformation, human capital growth and supremacy for Egypt, and this AI renaissance has brought Ai Everything MEA here

The evening concluded with a panel discussion on ‘Egypt’s AI Future’, where industry leaders from IBM, HPE, Deloitte Innovation Hub, Widebot AI, Intella and Plug & Play Tech Centre explored the opportunities and challenges facing Egypt’s AI ecosystem, from scaling startups to strengthening public–private partnerships.

Marwa Abbas, GM and Technology Leader Northeast Africa, IBM, shared, “IBM is pleased to be part of Ai Everything MEA Egypt, where we are showcasing how IBM watsonx and our AI and hybrid cloud capabilities are helping clients in Egypt and across the region to accelerate their digital transformation. Through real-world use cases and industry collaboration, we are demonstrating how AI can drive productivity, innovation, and sustainable growth”

Mohamed Wasfy, Country Manager, Egypt, HPE, reiterated: “At HPE, our engineers are focused on designing very energy efficient AI systems. Among the top ten most energy efficient systems in the world, three are from HPE. We bring to the market ready-made, ready-to-deploy AI systems that can generate ROI in days, not months or years.”

Ahmed Salem, COO & Engineering, AI & Data Lead, Deloitte Innovation Hub, said: “We’ve rolled our AI platforms across 200,000 users. We started to look at alliances, partnerships, other platforms, hyperscalers for reinventing software driven AI.”

Mohamed Nabil, CEO of WideBot AI, creator of the most accurate Large Language Model (LLM) in Arabic; and Nour Taher, CEO of Intella, the groundbreaking AI startup that recently made headlines for its $12.5 million Series A funding; both shared insights on raising the global competitiveness of Egyptian startups as well as the recent successes in attracting funding and scaling business. The insightful discussions were moderated by Karima El Hakim, Country Director in Egypt and Director in Africa, Plug & Play Tech Centre, Cairo’s leading startup hub.

A Global AI Tech Week Accelerating Egypt’s AI Ambitions

Ai Everything MEA Egypt 2026, hosted by Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in strategic partnership with ITIDA and powered by GITEX GLOBAL, will convene leading AI enterprises, startups, investors, and policymakers from 60 countries at the NCIEC in Cairo.

The event features a line-up of acclaimed international AI experts and leaders sparking thought-provoking discussions on building next-gen AI infrastructures and responsible scaling, alongside frontier showcases in AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, digital health, fintech, and more. The show also hosts one of the largest startup and investor gatherings, setting the stage to accelerate global tech partnerships, attract investment, and announce Cairo’s role as the epicentre of AI innovation in the Middle East and Africa.

For more information, access the website: https://www.AiEverythingMEA.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ai Everything Middle East & Africa.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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