Cairo:Finance Minister Yassine Jaber emphasized the significance of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in reinforcing state institutions, enhancing public financial management, and improving government services during his participation in the Cairo ICT 2026 exhibition and conference.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Jaber, along with a delegation from the Finance Ministry, engaged in discussions with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Kouchouk and senior representatives from major technology and financial technology companies. These discussions aimed at exploring opportunities to modernize the ministry's digital infrastructure, streamline administrative procedures, and improve the integration between financial systems.
The meetings focused on utilizing digital solutions to boost operational efficiency, enhance access to accurate financial data, and strengthen the monitoring of public revenues, expenditures, and treasury management. At a dinner event hosted by Egypt's Minister of Communications, Jaber highlighted that Lebanon's experiences with past crises demonstrated the critical role of digital infrastructure in maintaining state continuity.
Jaber underscored the necessity of digital transformation in rebuilding state institutions, warning that disruptions to essential systems and limited information access can adversely affect public financial management and government services. He also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in financial management, advocating for its integration into finance ministries' operations and the preparation of economies to harness its benefits through infrastructure investment, skills development, and small business support.
He highlighted the potential of incorporating budget, treasury, government accounting, revenue, customs, and public debt systems with data analytics and machine learning to enhance financial forecasting, cash-flow management, and risk monitoring. However, Jaber stressed the importance of reliable data, common standards, and accountable institutions, noting that while AI can aid financial decisions, the ultimate responsibility rests with human decision-makers.
Jaber advocated for citizen-focused digital services to minimize administrative burdens, unnecessary government office visits, and repetitive procedures. He called for a reevaluation of existing administrative requirements and stronger Arab cooperation in data standards, skills development, and expertise exchange. He urged technology companies to form partnerships with governments to identify challenges and develop sustainable solutions.
Jaber reiterated Lebanon's readiness to expand cooperation with Egypt and other Arab nations, aiming to benefit from their successful experiences in modernizing public institutions and translating technological advances into tangible economic and institutional gains.