Egypt Redefines Data Sovereignty at Cairo ICT
A high-level workshop titled «Data Sovereignty and Innovation: Building Balanced Cross-Border Data Frameworks with International Perspectives» took center stage at the 29th edition of Cairo ICT, the Middle East and Africa’s premier technology forum. The session examined national and global regulatory models designed to safeguard privacy while maintaining the essential flow of data that underpins today’s digital economy.
The workshop was moderated by Suzan El Oqaby, Acting CEO of the Personal Data Protection Center (PDPC), who emphasized that data sovereignty has become a “strategic necessity” for building a secure, balanced digital future.
She outlined Egypt’s model, which is built on three pillars: legislation, oversight, and innovation, noting that Law No. 151 of 2020 provides a solid foundation for regulating personal data protection and cross-border transfers.
El Oqaby stressed that the real challenge lies in striking the right balance between protecting individual privacy and encouraging investment and technological development.
Data as an Economic Asset
Mohamed El Nawawy, attorney and computer scientist at Partners.Law, described data as the “new capital” of the modern economy.
He highlighted the importance of understanding how data is collected and analyzed to support decision-making and protect users’ rights. Ensuring that citizens are shielded from excessive data use, he said, is now a top priority to prevent information from becoming a tool that compromises privacy rather than enabling innovation.
Bridging Gaps Through Better Legislation
Kyung Min Yoon, a consultant at the World Bank, discussed the global legislative gaps and digital divides affecting cross-border data flows.
He noted that digital trade requires a careful balance between privacy and utility, adding that disruptions to data movement often stem from declining user trust.
Yoon called for shared operational policies and clear, harmonized rules that protect privacy while enabling interoperability between national digital systems.
Flexible Solutions That Keep Markets Open
Ebtihal Basiony, Regional Director of Government Affairs at Microsoft, emphasized the company’s work with governments to build technical solutions that respect sovereignty requirements without hindering digital market openness.
She explained that digital sovereignty can become a driver of innovation when implemented with flexibility and responsibility, enabling national compliance while maintaining global technological integration.
Readiness and Cyber Resilience
From a cybersecurity perspective, Osama Hegazy, Group Head of Information Security at EFG Holding, underscored the need for user awareness and robust cyber infrastructure.
He highlighted the varying levels of readiness across markets, stressing the importance of adaptable solutions—particularly for regional enterprises operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Towards a Strong Egyptian and Regional Model
Speakers agreed that building an effective Egyptian and regional framework for data sovereignty requires:
• Clear legislation aligned with technological advancements
• Transparent, effective enforcement mechanisms
• Enhanced cyber awareness for individuals and institutions
• Regional and international coordination that balances rights protection with digital trade facilitation
They added that success in this area will be crucial to strengthening the region’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Cairo ICT 2025: The Region’s Largest Technology Showcase
Cairo ICT 2025 runs from 16 to 19 November at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo, under the patronage of Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Amr Talaat, and features more than 500 exhibitors along with leading ministries and government bodies.
This year’s edition is held under the theme AI Everywhere and brings together five major events:
• PAFIX for digital payments and financial inclusion (under the patronage of the Central Bank of Egypt)
• AIDC for AI and data centers
• Connecta for youth and digital entertainment
• Innovation Arena for creativity and startups
• Cyber Zone for cybersecurity (held for the first time across two locations within the exhibition)
Key participating entities include: the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Central Bank of Egypt, Financial Regulatory Authority, National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), ITIDA, Egypt Post, Arab Organization for Industrialization, and Future of Egypt Authority (guest of honor).
Cairo ICT 2025 is supported by a wide range of leading sponsors, including Dell Technologies, eFinance Group, WB Engineers+Consultants, CIB, Huawei, Orange Egypt, EgyptAir, Egypt Trust, Mastercard, Midar, Fortinet, Salesforce, Benya Group, Khazna, National Bank of Egypt, AAIB, Bank of Alexandria, Shaker Group, ICT Misr, IoT Misr, Network International, and Meinhardt.