The Shift 2026 by e& Egypt Concludes with Focus on AI’s Growing Impact on Investment, Governance, and Economic Transformation
e& Egypt concluded the activities of “The Shift 2026” conference, held in collaboration with The Global Narrative, bringing together policymakers, investors, business leaders, and technology experts to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, transforming investment models, and redefining governance frameworks in the digital era.
The conference was held under the patronage of Eng. Raafat Hindi, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance, serving as a strategic prelude to the 10th edition of the Narrative PR Summit.
The event featured extensive discussions on the future of AI-driven economies, the evolving role of technology in capital allocation and business competitiveness, and the growing need for integrated governance models capable of adapting to rapid digital transformation.
Among the attendees was Ahmed Kouchouk, Egypt’s Minister of Finance, alongside senior government officials, economic policymakers, investors, and technology executives participating in sessions focused on investment readiness, digital transformation strategies, and AI-powered economic growth.
During his keynote speech, Kouchouk emphasized the central role of the private sector in driving economic activity, productivity, and competitiveness.
“The private sector represents the backbone of economic and productive activity and plays a fundamental role in strengthening competitiveness,” Kouchouk said, stressing the importance of supporting partnerships with private companies and leveraging the exceptional talent available across different industries.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence integration across government and economic sectors, revealing that the Ministry of Finance has established a dedicated AI unit to support digital transformation efforts and operational modernization.
He further announced the launch of a new digital platform for tax filings aimed at simplifying procedures and improving service delivery, while calling for simplified technology-focused training programs to help employees across sectors maximize the benefits of emerging technologies.
Throughout the conference sessions, discussions moved beyond theoretical AI expectations toward practical conversations about how artificial intelligence is already influencing investment strategies, operational models, competitive positioning, and business decision-making.
Hazem Metwally, CEO of e& Egypt, said the world is witnessing a structural transformation that extends far beyond technological advancement alone.
“What we are experiencing today is not simply a technological boom, but a profound economic and administrative transformation that is redefining the foundations of competitiveness and value creation at both institutional and national levels,” Metwally stated.
He added that AI has evolved into a strategic factor shaping investment decisions, resource management efficiency, and economies’ ability to achieve sustainable growth, underscoring the need to move beyond theoretical discussions toward practical implementation models and governance frameworks capable of delivering tangible economic impact.
Metwally also noted that e& Egypt continues integrating technology and innovation across its operations, including telecommunications, fintech, business solutions, digital services, and customer experience systems, contributing to the development of a fully integrated digital ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth.
“Technology companies today are no longer simply service providers. They have become strategic partners in shaping the future of the digital economy and supporting market readiness for rapid transformation,” he added.
Lamia Kamel, Founder and Managing Director of CC Plus, Co-Founder of The Global Narrative, and Founder of the Narrative PR Summit, said the conference succeeded in creating a platform for meaningful dialogue around both the opportunities and challenges associated with rapid technological change.
“The Shift created space for focused discussions at a critical moment, helping align perspectives around what comes next as AI continues reshaping industries, economies, and governance models,” Kamel stated.
The conference concluded with calls to accelerate integration between technology, investment strategies, and regulatory policies to support the development of a more resilient and future-ready digital economy capable of keeping pace with global transformations.
Participants also emphasized the importance of strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional hub for innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation through stronger collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, and technology ecosystems.