
Three cities. Two continents. One mission — to turn intelligence into impact. Professor Celestine Iwendi, Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh) at the University of Greater Manchester, has completed a remarkable international engagement spanning Egypt and Switzerland. From Cairo and Giza to Geneva, his journey showcased the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping education, governance, and international trade.
The Egypt leg was sponsored by the IEEE Communications Society’s Distinguished Lecturer Programme and took place from 25 to 27 October 2025. Across five days and four cities, Professor Iwendi delivered a series of lectures under the theme “Turning Intelligence into Trust and Data into Destiny.” His sessions inspired academics, students, and policy leaders to rethink how AI can serve humanity — responsibly, ethically, and inclusively.
At Nile University, Professor Iwendi’s keynote explored how AI can drive smarter governance and digital transformation. He highlighted practical applications — from predictive analytics in trade and supply chains to AI-assisted policymaking and public service automation. The audience, drawn from academia, government, and the private sector, responded enthusiastically, underscoring Egypt’s readiness to lead the AI revolution.
His engagements extended beyond the lecture halls. At The British University in Egypt, Professor Iwendi held high-level discussions with faculty leaders and officials from the Customs and Revenue Modernisation Department, exploring AI’s potential to optimise healthcare systems, revenue collection, and innovation ecosystems.
The visit also offered moments of cultural reflection and connection. At the Nile 2025 Conference dinner, organised in collaboration with Egyptian academics and IEEE Egypt, Professor Iwendi joined delegates for an evening of shared stories, music, and a renewed commitment to advancing technology for human progress.