Lebanon has approved the creation of a Ministry of Technology and Artificial Intelligence (MITAI), the country’s first new department since 1993. The decision, described by officials as a notable step in governance reform, comes as Lebanon seeks to modernize public services, attract investment, and tap into the expertise of its global diaspora.

Dr. Kamal Shehadi, an economist and policy expert, has been appointed Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and AI until the law establishing MITAI clears parliament. Shehadi holds degrees from Columbia and Harvard, previously chaired Lebanon’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, and has held senior roles in regional telecom firms.

“This decision is not merely an administrative adjustment,” Shehadi said. “It is a strategic step that reflects a clear political will to invest in Lebanon’s future and to build an economy rooted in knowledge, technology, and digital transformation”.

MITAI’s mandate covers shaping national digital strategy, accelerating Lebanon’s shift toward a knowledge-based economy, and strengthening governance frameworks. Its tasks include developing a unified digital services platform, improving cybersecurity and data protection, fostering public – private partnerships, and stimulating the digital economy through skills training, job creation, and targeted investment. Internationally, the ministry aims to raise Lebanon’s profile in regional innovation efforts.

Shehadi has outlined three immediate priorities: finalizing the legal and financial structures for transformation; improving government services to deliver “dignity, transparency and efficiency” and creating an environment for Lebanese talent, particularly from the diaspora, to invest and thrive.

He also said digital projects are already underway across more than half of government ministries, including health record digitization and streamlined civil registry services.

Asked about obstacles, Shehadi pointed to speed as the main challenge: “We have the will, the talent, and the roadmap. But we must leapfrog, not step-walk”. He added that laws are being finalized, partnerships activated, and momentum built despite delays in parliamentary approval.

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On regional cooperation, Shehadi said Lebanon is learning from successful digital transformation programs nearby, but stressed that the goal is leadership through innovation: “Our greatest asset is our people: their resilience, creativity, and human-centric approach to technology. That’s what will distinguish Lebanon on the global stage”.

Observers say the ministry will be judged not by how many systems are launched but by whether citizens can register children for school, access healthcare, or start businesses online without red tape. If Shehadi’s vision takes hold, Lebanon could move from digital stagnation toward leadership — not by imitation, but by forging its own path.