Egypt Builds Future Skills in the Age of Artificial Intelligence at Cairo ICT 2025
A deep-dive panel discussion at Cairo ICT 2025 brought together leading education and technology experts to explore how Egypt can bridge the widening gap between academic outcomes and the rapidly evolving demands of the labor market in the era of artificial intelligence.
The session, titled «The Intelligence Capital: The Crisis and Opportunity of the AI and Data Center Skills Gap», was moderated by Assem Galal, Managing Partner at Galal & Karani Management Consulting, who raised critical questions about the skillsets today’s generation must acquire to succeed in an AI-driven future.
Educational Challenges
Dr. Ahmed Daher, Deputy Minister of Education, explained that the disconnect between academic learning and real-world application is longstanding, yet the gap continues to widen with each technological leap. He noted that predicting future job roles has become increasingly complex, placing policymakers under immense pressure. Companies today expect graduates capable of contributing from day one, he said, highlighting the need for more agile, interactive, and skills-centered learning models.
Core Skills for the AI Era
Experts agreed that the new age demands a multidimensional mindset that goes beyond technical competencies. Terry Mobaks, Co-founder of Compass, outlined three essential pillars for future talent: creativity, effective communication, and strong analytical skills.
Amr Abdelrahman, CEO of Next Technology Development, urged young people to define their professional identity early and strive to be contributors—not merely consumers—in the artificial intelligence ecosystem. Bart Stewart, Managing Director at WSP Engineering, emphasized adaptability, resilience, and an understanding of the broader integrated systems shaping modern industries.
Opportunities Ahead
The panelists expressed varying perspectives on the future of AI—balancing optimism with caution. Dr. Daher acknowledged the enormous pace of advancement, which continues to pressure educational systems worldwide. Meanwhile, Amr ElMashharawy, CEO of DCP, argued that Egypt holds a unique opportunity to build a competitive edge by professionally preparing its human capital and establishing a national framework for AI skills development, starting at early education levels and extending through practical training in industry.
Moderator Assem Galal concluded the discussion by highlighting curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving as essential traits that will define the future workforce in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
Cairo ICT 2025: A Regional Hub for Technology and Innovation
The 29th edition of the Cairo International Exhibition and Conference on Technology for the Middle East and Africa (Cairo ICT 2025) is taking place from 16 to 19 November at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo. The event is held under the patronage of Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Amr Talaat, and operates this year under the theme «AI Everywhere». More than 500 exhibitors are participating, alongside major government ministries and national institutions.
Cairo ICT 2025 brings together five major parallel events:
PAFIX for digital payments and financial inclusion, under the patronage of the Central Bank of Egypt
AIDC for artificial intelligence and data centers, under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration
Connecta for youth and digital entertainment
Innovation Arena dedicated to creativity and startups
Cyber Zone for cybersecurity
For the first time, the event spans two locations within the exhibition grounds.
Key participants include the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Central Bank of Egypt, the Financial Regulatory Authority, the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), ITIDA, Egypt Post, the Arab Organization for Industrialization, and the Future of Egypt Authority, which joins this year as Guest of Honor.
The exhibition features interactive sessions and live demonstrations covering the latest AI technologies, the Internet of Things, 5G, cybersecurity, smart cities, educational technology, cloud computing, fintech, green technologies, and digital identity (eKYC).
Cairo ICT 2025 is supported by major sponsors including Dell Technologies, eFinance Group, WB Engineers+Consultants, CIB Egypt, Huawei, «Ornچ Egypt», EgyptAir, Egypt Trust, Mastercard, MIDAR, and Fortinet. Additional sponsors include Salesforce, Benya Group, Khazna, the National Bank of Egypt, the Arab African International Bank, Bank of Alexandria, Shaker Group, ICT Misr, IoT Misr, Network International, and Meinhardt.