LEBANON – The LEBTECH 2026 conference kicked off in Beirut, bringing together officials, experts and representatives from the technology and innovation sectors to discuss cybersecurity, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and fintech.
The conference runs until August 30 and features panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition bringing together local and international companies.
It is also hosting the regional qualifiers of the Startup World Cup for the first time in Lebanon, with startups competing for a place in the global final and a chance to win a $1 million investment prize.
Cybersecurity Law in the Works
Minister of Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Chahade said Lebanon is working on a national cybersecurity strategy and a draft cybersecurity law.
He said the draft has been circulated among various ministries to collect feedback, ahead of its submission by the government to Parliament. Chahade stressed that cybersecurity is a priority for protecting citizens, the digital economy and the country’s infrastructure, while pointing to the need for additional funding to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across state institutions and ministries.
Only 30% Have Achieved Basic Digital Transformation
On digital transformation, Minister of Administrative Development Fadi Makki said the ministry is working with various government bodies to integrate public services into the “Dawlati” platform.
He said the first pilot phase included services from the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, IDAL and the Council of the South. The process is expected to expand soon to include the Ministry of Education, the criminal records service and other services that directly affect citizens.
According to Makki, the Lebanese state provides around 2,700 services through its administrations, institutions and municipalities, while only around 30% currently have a basic level of digital transformation.
He noted that the challenge is not limited to digitizing services, but also involves connecting existing digital systems through a unified platform, allowing government institutions to exchange data and services rather than operating through separate systems.
The LEBTECH 2026 conference comes as Lebanon faces significant challenges in building an integrated digital infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity and expanding the scope of digital government services.
