Lebanon’s survival hinges on digital transformation, and Minister Shehadeh’s LEAP initiative charts the path forward.
Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with economic collapse, political instability, and an exodus of its brightest minds. Yet amidst the turmoil, a bold vision is emerging—one that aims to harness the power of technology and digital transformation to rebuild the country from the ground up.
Minister Kamal Shehadeh, who holds the unique dual portfolios of Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence and Minister of the Displaced, is leading this ambitious charge. In an interview with journalist Adnan Nasser, Minister Shehadeh discusses his flagship initiative, known as LEAP, which offers a comprehensive roadmap for digital reform designed to transform Lebanon’s government, economy, and society.
Lebanon is reimagining the state through comprehensive digital transformation
“The ministry was created with a clear mission,” Shehadeh explains. “To develop and lead a national strategy for digital transformation—both inside government and across the broader economy.” But this transformation goes far beyond simply upgrading technology. “It’s about fundamentally reimagining the Lebanese economy’s future and how the Lebanese state functions,” he says. This means updating laws, reforming policies, and building digital infrastructure, from mobilizing financing with private sources and international donors, to building solid partnerships with universities and Lebanese and international companies.
One of the most crucial yet often overlooked components of this digital push is what Shehadeh calls “soft infrastructure.” This encompasses the legislation, regulations, and public policies needed to enable a thriving digital economy. Lebanon’s current legal framework, he notes, is “from a different era” and urgently requires modernization—covering areas such as digital identity, cybersecurity, open data, and electronic transactions.
Lebanon is drawing lessons from global digital success stories
Shehadeh points to successful digital economies abroad as models Lebanon is studying closely. “Estonia, Singapore, and the UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” serve as blueprints. The minister emphasizes that Lebanon’s late start is actually an advantage: “We can learn from their experiences—what worked and what didn’t.” Still, he cautions that “this is a long journey” requiring patience and perseverance, estimating a five-to-ten-year horizon to see significant results.
Digital transformation aims to turn Lebanon’s brain drain into brain gain
One of Lebanon’s biggest challenges is its ongoing brain drain—talented professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. Shehadeh is clear about how digital transformation could help reverse this trend. “If we succeed,” he says, “we’ll see Lebanese talent returning home.”
He outlines three key indicators of success: First, the return of Lebanese professionals. Second, entrepreneurs who can grow and scale their companies within Lebanon rather than leaving. Third, the arrival of international tech companies choosing Lebanon as a hub due to its talent pool and improved stability. For this to happen, he stresses, Lebanon must offer “predictability”—a stable environment that investors and innovators can trust.
Lebanon is creating Special Economic Zones to boost tech sector growth
Legislative efforts are already underway to create Special Technology Economic Zones. These zones will offer significant incentives, including zero corporate and income taxes for companies and exemptions for employees from traditional social security systems. Instead, an alternative framework will provide healthcare and retirement benefits. “These zones will position Lebanon as a hub for tech firms—not only in services but in manufacturing as well,” Shehadeh says.
High-tech manufacturing is already thriving in Lebanon
Skeptics might question whether high-tech manufacturing can realistically develop in Lebanon. But Shehadeh points to local success stories, such as Multilane, a company based in the Aley district. Multilane manufactures advanced equipment for AI data centers and exports globally, counting industry giants like Cisco and NVIDIA among its clients. “This proves that globally competitive, high-tech manufacturing can happen here—and profitably,” he says.
Digital reform is a necessity, not a luxury, for Lebanon’s survival
Asked whether digital transformation is a luxury Lebanon can only afford once stability returns, Shehadeh’s response is unequivocal: “It’s exactly the opposite.” Had Lebanon embraced digital infrastructure and open data reforms five years ago, he argues, the country would have been far more resilient against its current economic crisis. “A functioning digital economy and state are not a luxury,” he insists. “They’re the foundation for national prosperity.”
For Shehadeh, the stakes are existential. “Digital reform is a survival issue,” he concludes. “For Lebanon, it’s now or never.”
About the Author: Adnan Nasser
Adnan Nasser is an independent foreign policy specialist and journalist based in Beirut and Washington DC. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in international relations from Florida International University. Follow him on X @Adnansoutlook29.
Image: Shutterstock
