SAMENA Telecommunications Council contributed insights at the discussions that took place during the Fiber Connect Council MENA 2025. The event provided a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to gather and explore the future of AI-enabled fiber infrastructure in the region.
In a keynote speech delivered by Bocar BA, CEO & Board Member of SAMENA Council, emphasized the critical role that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly playing in revolutionizing fiber networks, driving operational efficiencies, and delivering transformative benefits to Operators and consumers alike.
BA outlined how AI Fiber Infrastructure is transforming telecommunications, making networks smarter, more scalable, and more resilient. These advancements are not only enhancing connectivity but also paving the way for more personalized, affordable, and secure digital services.
In line with the SAMENA Telecommunications Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering fiber and gigabit network growth throughout the SA-ME-NA and neighboring regions, BA highlighted the potential of AI in optimizing network performance and meeting the region’s growing data demands. As part of SAMENA Council’s mission to support the digital transformation of the SA-ME_NA region, the integration of AI into fiber networks is seen as a key enabler for innovation and economic growth.
BA stated: The digital economy is maturing. This requires that AI’s potential be fully unlocked with one critical enabler—a robust, reliable, and intelligent fiber infrastructure. AI Fiber Infrastructure is not just a tool for operational efficiency; it is a strategic enabler, unlocking immense value across the entire telecommunications ecosystem, from cost savings for Telecom Operators to enhanced connectivity for consumers, as national ICT visions near fulfillment. MENA is not merely a participant in this revolution—it is a leader. The innovations taking place in this part of the world today will shape the global AI landscape tomorrow, and will set an inspiring exampling for the neighboring regions, such as Central Asia and Africa."
SAMENA Council continues to champion the growth of fiber networks across the region as the foundation for sustainable digital economies, as is evident from three SAMENA Accelerators done by the Council on the fiber front, and its active collaboration with entities such as the United Nations Development Program, targeting improved digital inclusion and infrastructure investment in the Arab states. The Council’s focus aligns with regional efforts to leverage AI and fiber and fixed-network technologies, which are expected to drive significant advancements in various sectors, including smart cities, IoT, and autonomous vehicles.
With the rise of AI-powered technologies, SAMENA Council’s first advocacy message to the Industry at the start of the year 2025 was clear: Harness the true potential of these innovations, industry stakeholders must collaborate, overcome challenges such as regulatory uncertainties, data integration issues, and skills gaps, and invest in AI-driven infrastructure that will serve as the backbone for the future of connectivity. Moreover, SAMENA Telecommunications Council remains committed to closely collaborating with policymakers, regulators, Operators, Tech Providers, and digital ecosystem partners, to ensure continued development and expansion of fiber networks throughout the region, advancing digital transformation and digital maturity, and enabling greater economic and societal prosperity throughout the region, especially in the Arab states.
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Source: SAMENA Council Press release