First, I would like to inform the readers of WBOTIMES that today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Ashraf Attia. Before we begin, I would like to sincerely thank you, on behalf of both myself and the organization, for the time you have dedicated to this interview.
Dr. Attia:
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the World Business Organization (WBO), and especially to Dr. S. Demottella, for this kind invitation. It is an honor for me to be an influential member of this organization’s team—an organization committed to enhancing the efficiency of a sustainable global economy, promoting entrepreneurship, and empowering individuals to achieve a dignified life for all inhabitants of our planet.
1. Doctor, before we begin the interview, please tell us briefly about yourself and your professional journey—from founding technology companies to leading major digital-transformation projects across the Middle East and Africa.
Dr. Attia:
I am Dr. Ashraf Attia Abdo Attia, born on March 14, 1964, in Egypt. I began my academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Zagazig University in 1985. Later, I earned an MBA in 2013 and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree in Business Management from the University of California in 2016.
Over the past decades, I have served as the founder and executive of organizations including Omega Harka Corporation, Omega Gate Software, Omega Soft Projects, and Omega Gate Computers. My expertise is focused on information technology, the knowledge-based economy, digital transformation, and the financing of development and humanitarian projects.
My professional record includes managing more than 100 government projects, including projects for municipalities in the Jazan region from 2008 to 2017. I have also published more than 150 specialized articles in the fields of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data, and cybersecurity, and I have participated as a speaker at numerous international conferences.
2. Many governments and companies invest heavily in digital transformation, yet a significant number of these projects fail. In your view, what are the main causes of these failures, and to what extent is digital transformation a challenge of leadership and organizational culture?
Dr. Attia:
Statistics indicate a very high failure rate in digital transformation: between 70 and 84 percent in the private sector, and between 75 and 87.5 percent in the public sector.
The main reasons for these failures include:
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Excessive focus on tools: Forgetting that digital transformation is a cultural and human transformation, not merely the purchase of software.
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Lack of vision: The absence of precise governance and unclear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
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Poor-quality data and legacy systems: The difficulty of integrating emerging technologies with outdated infrastructure.
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Shortage of skilled human resources: Employees are often not adequately prepared to embrace new working models.
3. Given your experience in development and digital-transformation projects across African countries, where do you believe the greatest investment opportunities on the continent will lie over the coming decade?
Dr. Attia:
My emphasis is on building “enabling infrastructure.” Key opportunities include:
- Hard infrastructure: Fiber-optic networks, data centers, and renewable energy.
- Government services: The digitalization of customs, ports, and biometric digital identity systems.
- FinTech: Cross-border payment systems and supply-chain financing.
- Strategic projects: The mining sector and railway infrastructure, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The key message is this: investment in Africa should not be limited to software consumption. It should contribute to building vital infrastructure, including energy, communications, and logistics.
4. Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries around the world. Are governments adapting quickly enough to these changes, or have regulations become the greatest barrier to innovation?
Dr. Attia:
Regulations usually move more slowly than technology. My recommendation is to establish Regulatory Sandboxes. Governments should shift from being merely regulators to becoming enablers, using flexible and adaptive regulations to ensure that innovation is not suppressed.
5. Given the growing dependence of the global economy and international trade on digital infrastructure, what priorities should governments and international organizations consider to strengthen cybersecurity and protect critical data infrastructure?
Dr. Attia:
Cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical issue; it is part of national security. My recommended priorities include:
- A Zero Trust architecture.
- Data governance and cross-border cyber resilience.
- The establishment of joint CERTs (Computer Emergency Response Teams) and international cyber diplomacy.
- Protection of submarine cables and critical data infrastructure.
6. In your view, how can the World Business Organization (WBO) play a practical and effective role in developing the digital economy, facilitating global trade, and empowering developing countries?
Dr. Attia:
The World Business Organization (WBO) must move beyond merely holding conferences. I propose four operational priorities for WBO:
- Developing BOT and PPP models while providing international guarantees for investors.
- Standardizing data regulations and digital-signature frameworks to facilitate global trade.
- Financing green technologies and clean data centers.
- Establishing Digital Centers of Excellence to train human resources in developing countries.
7. Finally, if you had a message for young entrepreneurs and future technology leaders who aspire to make a global impact, what would it be?
Dr. Attia:
Technology is a tool that must serve to solve humanity’s challenges, including hunger, disease, and climate change. Ethics must always take precedence over algorithms. In the age of artificial intelligence, we need transparency, justice, and the preservation of human dignity. The ultimate purpose of technology should be to promote peace and public prosperity—not to dominate human beings.