Page 88 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

REGUL
REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATESATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

A SNAPSHOT OF REGULATORY ACTIVITIES

IN THE SAMENA REGION

Afghanistan

The Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority long-standing communication issues that have plagued the
(ATRA) has begun the construction of 16 new telecommunications local population. Hafiz Mohammad Sabet Numan, head of
centers in Faryab Province, with an investment of $1.6 million ATRA’s Northern Zone, provided further details on the initiative,
USD. At a ceremony marking the project’s launch, Faryab stating that the centers are specifically designed to address
Governor Mullah Abdul Ahad Fazli emphasized that these centers telecommunications problems in 13 districts of Faryab that have
will greatly alleviate the telecommunications challenges faced historically struggled with inadequate communication services.
by residents in the province’s districts. He highlighted that this He added that this project underscores the government’s
initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance commitment to improving quality of life and developing essential
telecommunications infrastructure in remote and underserved infrastructure throughout the country, particularly in Faryab,
areas, aiming to provide faster and more reliable communication thus playing a vital role in enhancing connectivity and bridging
services to these communities. Governor Fazli also noted that communication gaps between different regions.
the project is expected to significantly improve the quality of (August 12, 2024) www.meatechwatch.com
telecommunications services in these regions, addressing

Algeria

In a bid to accelerate its digitization process, the Algerian for the digital sphere, streamline bureaucratic processes, and
government is developing a comprehensive roadmap to guide address technological gaps. The government will collaborate
this transformation. High Commissioner for Digitization Meriem with the Ministry of National Defense to bolster information
Benmouloud announced on Monday that Algeria is set to and cybersecurity. President Tebboune has championed the
implement a new digital transformation strategy, with the final digital transformation project as a key driver of sustainable local
draft submitted to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for approval development. Launched in 2019, the initiative has made significant
in June. This strategy, the first of its kind for Algeria since strides over the past two years, overcoming resource constraints,
gaining independence, aims to transition from paper-based to bureaucratic hurdles, and sector complexities. According to the
digital management, increase transparency, reduce bureaucracy, latest International Telecommunication Union report, Algeria’s
broaden access to information, and boost economic performance ICT development has seen significant acceleration. The country
while maintaining high service quality. The five-year plan, which climbed 14 places in the ICT Development Index, now ranking
concludes in 2029, is built on two main pillars: a forthcoming 88th out of 169 nations. Algeria’s score of 77.8 points surpasses
digitization law and enhanced information and cybersecurity the averages for Africa (47.4), the Arab region (74.5), and middle-
measures. The new law will establish a regulatory framework income countries (62). (July 26, 2024) www.meatechwatch.com

Bahrain

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain international regulators, alongside distinguished speakers and
successfully concluded the International Telecommunication guests. The forum featured a diverse range of sessions that
Union (ITU) Digital Skills Forum, a three-day event focused on highlighted critical areas such as digital transformation, skill gaps
advancing global digital skills. The forum, which was hosted in the digital economy, and the development of national digital
at the Gulf Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel, saw participation skills frameworks. In his concluding remarks, Philip Marnick,
from prominent international leaders, government officials, General Director of TRA Bahrain, expressed his appreciation for
and industry experts. The closing ceremony was attended by the contributions of all participants and emphasized Bahrain’s

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