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30 Years of Resilience Amid Economic Challenges

Osama Kamal, Chairman of Trade Fairs International (the organizing company of the Cairo ICT conference and exhibition), stated that the 2026 edition convenes amidst mounting local and global economic challenges. He highlighted that the event's uninterrupted continuity over three decades reflects its exceptional capacity to adapt to political and economic shifts, as well as major health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kamal noted that the steadfast commitment of sponsors and exhibitors to participate serves as strong proof of the business community's trust in this platform—an integrated ecosystem bringing together the public and private sectors, media institutions, and logistics providers.

From Awareness to Action: AI Serving Vital Sectors

Kamal explained that selecting this year’s theme, «AI in Action», marks a pivotal shift from raising awareness about artificial intelligence (previously addressed under the theme «AI Everywhere») to actual implementation and tangible utility.

This year, the exhibition focuses on presenting practical solutions and applications tailored for key sectors, including:

Healthcare & Education

Irrigation & Water Resources

Aviation & Transportation

Media & Entertainment

The Impact of AI on Jobs and Creative Professions

The event chairman cautioned against the rapid advancement of AI and its direct impact on the job market and traditional roles, particularly within creative domains like design and journalism. He emphasized that while these concerns are legitimate, they should serve as motivation for professionals to upgrade their skills and technical toolsets rather than pull back from the market.

In this context, the exhibition features 3 dedicated sessions to discuss the future of media and entertainment, examining how AI tools can empower creators and enhance production quality without displacing human talent.

FinTech Evolution and the Debut of the «Khayal» Zone

The exhibition continues to host the 13th edition of the annual Financial Technology Conference («FinTech»), strengthening the integration between digital solutions and both banking and non-banking services.

Additionally, the «Connect» platform highlights innovation, startups, and cybersecurity through the «Cyber Zone», alongside the «AI Innovation Factory» aimed at supporting entrepreneurs. This edition also features the debut of the «Khayal» zone, showcasing practical models that blend AI with cinema and entertainment to serve human creativity.

Digital Sovereignty and Data Centers: Egypt’s Message to Investors

The exhibition places special focus on the «AI Data Center Squad» area, which spotlights digital infrastructure, data centers, and cloud computing. Kamal emphasized that "digital sovereignty" has become a strategic priority for nations, pointing to multi-billion-dollar investments across the region. He called for creating an attractive legislative and investment environment in Egypt to draw private capital into digital infrastructure without overburdening the state budget.

Ministerial Summit Sends Key Message: "Egypt is Open for AI Infrastructure Business"

The current edition features a high-level opening session with 6 cabinet ministers (covering Telecommunications, Electricity, Investment, Finance, Water Resources & Irrigation, among others) to present the Egyptian government’s vision for the future of AI infrastructure.

Osama Kamal concluded by reiterating the event's core strategic message:

«Egypt is open for AI infrastructure business»

He reaffirmed that Cairo ICT 2026 remains the premier platform bringing together government officials, investors, and companies to shape the digital economy and navigate technology-driven transformations.