The El Alamein Africa 2026 forum, scheduled to take place in Egypt's El Alamein New City, will prioritize discussions on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and the digital economy. This event aims to enhance Africa's readiness for the changing global economy. With rapid technological advancements worldwide, the forum will address growing cybersecurity challenges and the expanding role of technology in supporting growth and improving services.

The forum brings together officials, experts, and representatives from technology companies and international organizations to discuss developing communication networks, expanding internet access, and accelerating the transition to a digital economy. Cybersecurity has become a pressing concern due to increasing cyberattacks, with a focus on strengthening national capabilities, exchanging expertise, and developing legislative frameworks.

The El Alamein Africa 2026 forum will highlight opportunities in the digital economy, with estimates suggesting that Africa's internet economy is currently worth around $180 billion and is expected to exceed $700 billion by 2050. In 2025, mobile communication services contributed approximately $240 billion to Africa's economy, accounting for 7.8% of the continent's GDP.

As the digital economy grows rapidly, discussions will focus on supporting startups, expanding financial technology applications, and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. This will help create new job opportunities and attract more investments. The issue of digital divide is also high on the forum's agenda, with an emphasis on increasing investments in technological infrastructure and expanding access to digital services.

The digital divide remains a significant challenge, with nearly two-thirds of the continent's population still not actively using mobile internet. This makes bridging the gap a major development challenge. Egypt aims to utilize its expansion in digital infrastructure to support cooperation with African countries and exchange expertise.

The El Alamein Africa 2026 forum is expected to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, business leaders, and experts from across Africa and beyond. By sharing knowledge and best practices, the forum aims to drive progress in digital transformation and cybersecurity, ultimately contributing to the continent's economic growth and development.

As Africa seeks to establish its position on the global digital economy map, the forum will provide a platform for countries to explore partnerships, investments, and shared visions for the future. By harnessing the potential of digital transformation, Africa can build more competitive economies and create new opportunities for growth and development.

Key points

  • The El Alamein Africa 2026 forum will focus on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and the digital economy to enhance Africa's readiness for the changing global economy.
  • The forum aims to drive progress in digital transformation and cybersecurity, contributing to the continent's economic growth and development.
  • Africa's internet economy is expected to exceed $700 billion by 2050, with mobile communication services currently contributing approximately $240 billion to the continent's economy.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.