28th September 2026

IIC MENA Chapter meeting – Egypt’s Personal Data Protection Law: Compliance in Practice – What you need to know

Chapter Meetings

Date: Monday 28 September
Time: 9:00-14:00 EEST
Venue: Four Seasons Nile Boat

Kindly hosted by

Egypt’s Personal Data Protection Law is set to come into force in November 2026, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework that will significantly affect businesses operating in Egypt. This seminar provides an accessible introduction to the law’s key provisions and its practical implications for organizations of all sizes.

Designed for lawyers and business leaders alike, including those with little or no prior experience of data protection, the seminar will explain what the law requires, what it means in practice, and how organizations should begin preparing for compliance.

We will examine the role and approach of the Personal Data Protection Commissioner, both in supporting businesses through the transition and in enforcing the law against those who fail to make genuine compliance efforts.

Drawing on experience from comparable regimes in Europe and other jurisdictions, we will highlight the lessons that Egyptian businesses can apply as they navigate this new legal landscape.

Please note this meeting will be held under the Chatham House Rule.

Registration Fees for delegates

Monday 28 September
IIC MENA Chapter meeting

IIC Members – Free
Non-Members – £25 GBP (excluding VAT *) 
*VAT will be applicable for UK registrations only

If you feel the delegate fee may be a barrier to attending this meeting, please contact us at enquiries@iicom.org

Visas
The IIC will be pleased to provide a letter of invitation on request, but visas will be the responsibility of the event attendee.

Event Cancellation Statement

  • More than 30 days – full refund available
  • 15-30 days – 50% refund available
  • 14 days or less – non-refundable substitutions allowed up to 48 hours before the event at no extra cost.
  • All cancellations need to be in writing to enquiries@iicom.org 

The Chapter meeting venue is offering discounted room rates. Please contact Emily at e.brooks@iicom.org who will be able to share the link with you so that you can receive the discount.

Speakers

Lynn Robinson Director General, International Institute of Communications

Lynn Robinson became Director General of the International Institute of Communications (IIC), in March 2020.

Lynn is an experienced senior director and trustee / non exec-director, having held key senior leadership positions in the technology, built environment, regulation, accreditation and dental industries. She has extensive experience of professional membership bodies working within the full spectrum including, Regulatory bodies, Industry associations and Chambers of Commerce. Lynn is a well-known and established ambassador in these areas having led on many strategic programmes to aid engagement, growth, retention, change management, stakeholder and political engagement.

Suzanne El Akabaoui Advisor to the ICT Minister on Data Governance, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Egypt

Suzanne El Akabaoui is currently the Advisor to the ICT Minister for Data Governance, a role that showcases her expertise and influence in data protection policies and privacy regulations. As an Advisor to the ICT Minister for Data Governance, Suzanne is mandated with taking part in building the regulatory framework for personal data protection, privacy and personal data security in line with Egypt 2030 Vision and digital transformation projects on a national scale.

Suzanne is a leading expert in her field. A highly accomplished attorney with a diverse background in the legal, business, and data privacy fields, and extensive experience in commercial, corporate, technology, and data privacy laws.

Suzanne’s journey in the legal world evolved with attaining her Law Degree from the esteemed Sorbonne Paris University. She showcased her dedication to the field by completing the undergraduate law program, and pursued a Master’s in Business Law which solidified her foundation in this crucial aspect within the legal domain.

In parallel to her legal studies, she ventured into the realm of economics and received her Bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Faculty of Economics and Political Science from the Cairo University in Egypt with both a Major in Economics, and a minor in Statistics.

Eager to expand her knowledge in the economics field, Suzanne pursued yet another Certificate in Economics from the International Institute for Political and Economic Studies (Georgetown University). This additional qualification further enriched her ability to offer valuable insights within her legal practice, bridging the gap between law and business.

Recognizing the growing importance of data privacy in the modern world, Suzanne obtained a Certificate in Data: Law, Policy, and Regulations from the prestigious London School of Economics. This certification further highlights her commitment to staying at the forefront of data law, policy, and regulations.

In her professional career, Suzanne has advised many multinational clients on crucial aspects of personal data protection rights, including Data Sharing Agreements, Data Processing Agreements, GDPR compliance, and the requirements of Egyptian Personal Data Protection Law and Cyber-Security Laws.

With her extensive expertise, and her recent appointment as the Personal Data Protection Center Chief Executive Officer, Suzanne keen to make significant contributions to the field of personal data protection and privacy compliance. Her dedication to advancing personal data governance and her unwavering commitment to legal and business excellence make her a leading figure in her field, driving progress and innovation in an ever-evolving digital world.

Monday 28 September 2026

09:00-10:00 Registration & Breakfast
10:00-10:10 Welcome Remarks

Lynn Robinson, Director General, International Institute of Communications

10:10-10:30 Keynote Speaker

Dr. Suzanne El Akabaoui, Advisor to the ICT Minister on Data Governance, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Egypt

10:30-11:10 Panel 1: Egypt PDPL compliance priorities and roadmap for business
11:10-11:30 Refreshment Break
11:30-12:10 Panel 2: GDPR and other guidance for the practical application of the Egypt PDPL
12:10-12:50 Panel 3: Applying the Egypt PDPL in an AI world
12:50-13:00 Closing Remarks & Summary
13:00-14:00 Networking Reception
Download the agenda (PDF)
Event details
Date:
28th September 2026
Location:
Cairo, Egypt
Region:
Middle East & Africa
Chapter:
Middle East & North Africa
Register your place
Four Seasons Nile Boat
136 Nile St
Oula
El Omraniya
الغربية 12612
Egypt

Upcoming Events

View All
24th August 2026
IIC Australia Chapter meeting – Critical Connections – Part 2: Secure and Sovereign? Location: Melbourne, Australia Core Event: Chapter Meetings
24th September 2026
IIC Caribbean Chapter meeting – The Future of Caribbean Tourism: Harnessing Innovation, Connectivity, and Sustainability Location: Virtual Core Event: Virtual MeetingsChapter Meetings
  • Chapter Meetings
  • Virtual Meetings
Back to the top

The IIC is the world's only policy debating platform for the converged communications industry

We give innovators and regulators a forum in which to explore, debate and agree the best policies and regulatory frameworks for widest societal benefit.

Insight: Exchange: Influence

We give members a voice through conferences, symposiums and private meetings, as well as broad exposure of their differing viewpoints through articles, reports and interviews.

The new website will make it easier for you to gather fresh insights, exchange views with others and have a voice in the debate

Take a look Learn more about our updates
Please upgrade your browser

You are seeing this because you are using a browser that is not supported. The International Institute of Communications website is built using modern technology and standards. We recommend upgrading your browser with one of the following to properly view our website:

Windows Mac

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of browsers. We also do not intend to recommend a particular manufacturer's browser over another's; only to suggest upgrading to a browser version that is compliant with current standards to give you the best and most secure browsing experience.