The Lebanese government has recently unveiled a plan to invest heavily in the development of generative AI and digital public infrastructure (DPI) in an effort to transform the delivery of public services.
Key Elements of the Plan
- A national digital ID system
- Digital payments and data exchange platforms
- A super app to federate services from different government ministries and agencies
These initiatives are expected to be supported by the World Bank and are part of a broader strategy to position Lebanon as a digital innovation and transformation powerhouse in the Middle East.
Minister’s Vision
Kamal Shehadi, Lebanon’s Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, has shared his vision for the country’s digital future. According to Shehadi, the investment plan enjoys World Bank support and aims to create opportunities in key sectors of the economy.
Establishing Partnerships
Shehadi emphasized the need for partnerships and collaborative frameworks to support Lebanon’s AI journey. This includes drawing experience from regional partners, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as international organizations like the World Bank.
| Regional Partners | International Organizations |
|---|---|
| UAE and Saudi Arabia | World Bank |
| Other Gulf neighbours | Regional and international technology companies |
Unlocking Economic Potential
Shehadi believes that investing in AI and digital public infrastructure will have a profound impact on Lebanon’s economy. The minister notes that the country has faced severe challenges over the past six years, including a devalued currency, hardship, and poverty.
AI in Public Sector
According to Shehadi, integrating AI into the country’s public sector will overhaul manual and analogue systems, leading to greater efficiency and reduced inefficiency. However, the minister also expressed concerns about potential AI harms and noted that the technology should be deployed in an inclusive and accessible manner.
Building a Super App
Lebanon is also building a Super App that will federate services from different government ministries and agencies to facilitate access to public services.
“I want to build a digital foundation that will allow Lebanese citizens to access services and opportunities from anywhere in the world. This will require significant investment, but I am confident that the benefits will be worth it.”
– Kamal Shehadi
Importance of Diaspora Support
Shehadi also highlighted the importance of the support of Lebanese citizens working in technology companies across the world. He noted that if the right digital foundation is laid, these diaspora citizens would “want to invest, support talent, and build something meaningful.”
Challenges Ahead
While the minister is optimistic about the potential of AI and digital infrastructure to transform Lebanon’s economy, he also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. Shehadi noted that integrating AI into the country’s military is still being considered, and that potential AI harms need to be mitigated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lebanon’s plan to invest $30-50 million in AI and digital infrastructure is an ambitious move to transform the delivery of public services and position the country as a digital innovation and transformation powerhouse in the Middle East. With the support of the World Bank and the participation of Lebanese citizens working in technology companies, the country is well on its way to achieving its digital goals.
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