Lebanon is seeking to eliminate duplicated government technology projects through a US$150 million World Bank-backed Digital Transformation programme targeting artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
Minister of State for Administrative Reform Fadi Makki said stronger coordination between ministries was essential to prevent overlapping AI initiatives, reduce wasted expenditure and establish common technology priorities.
The programme, administered through the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR), will finance digital infrastructure, cybersecurity improvements, government service digitisation, digital identity systems and data centres.
Makki warned that technology investment alone would not deliver meaningful reform without effective governance, reliable data and coordinated implementation.
He identified the Dawlaty initiative as a mechanism for determining which government services should be digitised first, using citizens’ needs to shape investment decisions and administrative reforms.
The approach seeks to address fragmented government technology development while improving access to essential public services.
Makki also stressed that legislative reforms must translate into operational changes rather than remain disconnected from technology deployment.
The government intends to align infrastructure investment with institutional capabilities, ensuring ministries can share resources and avoid developing competing systems.
The initiative places particular emphasis on AI governance as public institutions increasingly explore automation and data-driven service delivery.
However, the effectiveness of the programme will depend on execution, interministerial cooperation and the government’s ability to sustain reforms beyond initial investment.
For Lebanon, the immediate challenge ultimately is turning financing and policy commitments into functioning digital services that reduce bureaucracy and improve everyday interactions with the state.
