Page 55 - SAMENA Trends - August-September 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Morocco to Launch Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Initiative at

UNGA

Morocco is set to strengthen its role as a digital leader in Africa
with the official launch of the Digital for Sustainable Development
(D4SD) initiative. The program, developed in partnership with
the UN Development Bank (UNDP), aims to integrate the Arab-
African region into the global digital economy. Minister Delegate
for Digital Transition Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni announced the
initiative, describing it as a strategic step to position Morocco
as a digital hub bridging Africa and the Arab world. The formal
unveiling will take place during the 80th United Nations General
Assembly in New York, where Morocco will present D4SD as a
driver of economic growth and improved public services. Speaking
at the 10th Geopolitical Meetings in Trouville-Sur-Mer, France,
Seghrouchni emphasized that digital transformation is becoming
central to Morocco’s future, both in terms of domestic progress
and regional influence. The D4SD initiative underscores Morocco’s
ambition to lead in digital integration, sustainable innovation, and
cross-border collaboration, reinforcing its standing as a pivotal
player in the continent’s digital landscape.

Qatar’s Automotive IoT Market Set to Hit US$357 Million

Qatar’s automotive Internet of Things (IoT) sector is accelerating at enabled sensors, as well as real-time traffic monitoring integrated
full speed, with revenue forecasted to reach $369.93m (QR1.3bn) into navigation apps. Hassan said, “The national mobility strategy
this year, according to a report from Statista. The market is sees connected vehicles as a bridge to fully autonomous fleets as
expected to maintain strong momentum, recording a compound it aims to have near-seamless integration between private cars,
annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.20 percent from 2025 to 2029, public transport, and urban infrastructure.” Qatari consumers,
ultimately hitting $488.51m (QR1.7bn) by the end of the decade. known for their early adoption of premium automotive technology,
This growth comes as Qatar doubles down on its smart city and are increasingly seeking vehicles with advanced infotainment,
digital transformation strategies, aiming to integrate advanced telematics, and driver-assistance systems. According to local
connected-car solutions into its urban mobility ecosystem. While dealerships, buyers now routinely inquire about connectivity
the United States is projected to continue dominating the global features alongside horsepower and fuel efficiency. “Customers
automotive IoT market, which is expected to generate a staggering aren’t just asking if a car has Bluetooth—they want to know how
$98.86bn in 2025, Qatar’s trajectory is notable for its speed and their car will talk to the city. It’s changing the way manufacturers
strategic focus. Industry leaders say that Qatar’s plans for smart pitch vehicles in this market,” the industry expert noted. While the
cities such as Lusail and Msheireb Downtown Doha are a major outlook remains promising, analysts caution that cybersecurity,
catalyst for automotive IoT adoption. From vehicle-to-infrastructure data privacy, and infrastructure readiness remain key concerns.
(V2I) communication to predictive maintenance systems, the Researchers stress that the complexity of integrating multiple
country is prioritizing technologies that make roads safer and systems from legacy traffic management software to next-
traffic more efficient. “Connected cars are no longer a luxury in generation 5G networks means that careful planning and regulatory
Qatar as they are becoming part of the public infrastructure. As oversight will be critical. With nearly half a billion dollars in market
our cities become smarter, cars need to communicate not just with volume projected by 2029, Qatar’s automotive IoT industry is on
their drivers, but with traffic lights, emergency services, and even track to become a vital pillar of its diversification agenda. As the
parking systems,” Abdul Hassan, General Manager at a leading country positions itself as a regional hub for smart mobility, experts
luxury car dealership in Doha, told The Peninsula. The Ministry of highlight that the fusion of cars and connectivity may soon be as
Transport has been vocal about using IoT to enhance road safety, commonplace as smartphones in everyday life. “We are building
reduce congestion, and prepare for autonomous vehicles. Recent cities where the car isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a node in the network
pilot projects include smart traffic corridors equipped with IoT- and that’s the future we are driving toward,” Hassan added.

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