Page 3 - SAMENA Trends - Jan-Mar 2024

EDITORIAL SAMENA TRENDS

Fostering Investment in Digital Development

Undeniably, the global digital economy Another key aspect of the navigating the
is on a success trajectory, and it has way forward to digital transformation, is
taken tremendous policy, regulatory, and to monetize heavy investments that have
investment efforts to achieve this success. already been made in advanced mobile
However, we need to physically manifest the infrastructure, especially in 5G. On this front,
transformative power of mobile connectivity in pursuit of greater collaboration among
to materialize and sustainable digitalization SAMENA Council's technology-provider and
across societal, business, as well as telecom operator members as well as other
industrial and economic spheres. The stakeholders both within and outside of
journey to digitalization, and thereby digital the SA-ME-NA region, the Council observes
transformation, requires us to navigate that Fixed Wireless Access technology is
through challenges with a unified approach a strong option for recovering investment
and aligning our priorities. costs -- which can then be redirected more
effectively to other required areas in digital
Fortunately, we have many things happening transformation. Various possibilities exist
within SAMENA Council that directly support in this regard, including home broadband Bocar A. BA
Chief Executive Officer
such navigation. access solution and remote connectivity for & Board Member
underserved or unconnected regions. SAMENA Telecommunications
SAMENA Council is engaging with regional Council
and global bodies to help enhance national Moreover, as effective collaboration
policy and regulatory capacities, and to among governments, private sector, and
scale up the impact of innovative digital international bodies is vital for advancing around incentives in regulatory
services, digital economy platforms, sustainable development initiatives, the compliance, efficiencies in regulatory
localized digital technology, and ensuring Council, as a part of its advocacy program, and administrative procedures, and
general enablement and facilitation for the continues to identify areas of industry-wide introducing future-centric approaches
digital ecosystem. The Council is of the view co-operation, including collaboration on in spectrum approaches and taxation
that it is imperative to remain mindful of leveraging digital technologies to improve regimes.
advancements and innovations under play in access to education, healthcare, essential
relation to the regional digital transformation services, and foster digital innovation in There is a lot to be done in 2024. In May
trends; how digital users are impacted by the Arab region. It is imperative to ensure this year, as SAMENA Council prepares
such trends in terms of choice and how accessibility of digital technologies to all, to host its annual Leaders' Summit 2024
market dynamics are transforming in terms especially underserved communities within under the theme "Evolving toward
of market competition and investment the SA-ME-NA region, through initiatives Integration, Intelligence & Sustainability
sustainability. In other words, the Council focusing on digital literacy, connectivity in Infrastructure", industry stakeholders
believes the digital ecosystem needs to enhancement, implementing broadband to invited to help build momentum on
be made sustainable and thus attention is financing frameworks (e.g., in pilot countries many of these areas by showcasing
required to allow for end-user choice, fair that SAMENA Council identified earlier their capabilities and expertise by
competition in the digital services platforms this year with UN Broadband Commission leveraging the annual leadership
(especially those directly boosting the digital and other private-sector stakeholders), platform.
economy), and in strengthening ways to and, lastly, by address needs of telecom
accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship. operators - which fundamentally revolve

3 JANUARY-MARCH 2024