Title Global Lead, Digital Development Company World Bank Group Bio Samia Melhem is an international development expert at the World Bank Group. She is currently a Global lead on Digital Development in the Transport and ICT Global Practice. Her current operational responsibilities include investment operations management, advisory services, capacity building and leading the digital development partnership. Samia has led various investment projects aiming at developing the ICT sector in client countries from, Telecoms/Broadband policy reforms, Private participation in broadband infrastructure deployment, digitizing and modernizing public administration. Her projects have helped governments such as Philippines, Egypt, Kenya, Tunisia, Morocco, Vietnam, and Burkina Faso Introduce innovative solutions for better service delivery. Samia held several positions as regional coordinator in different regions such as Africa, Middle East and Europe and Central Asia and has experience in more than 50 countries. She often represents her group in international events and associations. She has authored several research, working papers and policy notes on innovation and on technology’s impact on growth & development. She holds degrees in Electrical Engineering (BS), Computer Sciences (MS) and Finance (MBA)