Samia Melhem is a Lead Policy Specialist in the World Bank’s Digital Development Vice Presidency, based in Washington DC. She manages digital government transformation operations, leveraging technologies to improve delivery of public services in all sectors. She is currently leading a large digital government investment project portfolio, and regional research on Digital Skills for Jobs in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan region, as well as AI’s impact on the digital economy. During her career at the World Bank Group, Melhem managed digital transformation projects/operations in East and Central Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. She authored several publications on telecoms policy and regulation, digital government, digital skills, electronic procurement, cloud computing, innovation & entrepreneurship, open data, private public partnerships, and bridging the gender digital divide. She holds degrees in Electrical Engineering (BS), Computer Sciences (MS), and Finance (MBA), and has completed various accreditations in management, coaching, mentoring and leadership throughout her esteemed career. Recently, in May 2025, Melhem received an award from the Arab League for her Digital Economy work in the MENA region.