Page 91 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Iraq

Ali Al-Moayyed, Chairman of the Communications and Media cooperation to achieve digital inclusivity across Iraq. Highlighting
Commission (CMC) of Iraq, has formally invited Doreen Bogdan- Iraq’s youthful and technologically adept population, Al-Moayyed
Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication underscored the importance of ITU’s support in nurturing a culture
Union (ITU), to visit Iraq. This invitation aligns with Iraq’s goal of innovation and entrepreneurship. He advocated for targeted
to bolster international cooperation and advance its digital capacity-building initiatives, particularly focusing on training
transformation initiatives. During a meeting on the sidelines of human resources and bolstering the private sector and startups,
the Future Summit in New York, Al-Moayyed and Bogdan-Martin which are vital for Iraq’s digital future. In her response, Bogdan-
discussed various aspects of Iraq’s digital strategy, including Martin expressed the ITU’s steadfast commitment to supporting
the modernization of its telecommunications infrastructure and Iraq’s digital journey. She lauded the CMC’s achievements in
alignment with global technological trends. The discussions, as enhancing Iraq’s telecom and IT infrastructure and reaffirmed
reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), emphasized Iraq’s efforts the ITU’s readiness to provide ongoing technical and regulatory
in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, guidance. Bogdan-Martin emphasized the ITU’s role in policy
electronic payments, and banking sector reforms—all crucial for shaping and regulatory refinement, ensuring Iraq’s technological
integrating into the global digital economy. A significant topic advancements lead to sustainable and secure digital growth.
of their dialogue was addressing Iraq’s persistent digital divide. Furthermore, Bogdan-Martin assured continued collaboration,
The leaders explored strategies for universal service projects with her team maintaining active communication with the CMC to
and the recent advancements in Iraq’s telecommunications and support the success of their joint initiatives.
IT sectors. Al-Moayyed stressed the importance of international (September 24, 2024) www.meatechwatch.com

Jordan

Jordan has achieved a remarkable milestone in digital payments, country’s rapid adaptation to and integration of digital payment
registering transactions worth 19.2 billion dinars in just the technologies, setting new benchmarks in the industry. (September 18,
first eight months of this year, according to a report from the 2024) www.meatechwatch.com
Jordan Payment and Clearing Systems Company (Jopac). This
figure represents a 54% increase compared to the same period The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) launched the National
last year, when transactions totaled 12.5 billion dinars. The Dialogue on the National Cyber Security Strategy 2024-2028
monthly report from Jopac highlights significant growth across at an event held at the Royal Jordanian (RJ) headquarters. The
various digital payment systems. The “Click” system led with event, attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs
7.23 billion dinars in transactions, followed by “Jumobi” at 3.37 and Minister of State for Public Sector Modernization Nasser
billion dinars, and “eFAWATEERcom” topping the charts with 8.56 Shraideh, unveiled the vision for Jordan’s cyberspace: “A safe,
billion dinars. Notably, “Click” and “Jumobi” were predominantly reliable, and resilient Jordanian cyberspace, relying on national
used for money transfers, accounting for over 80% of their capabilities, and enhancing the economy and societal welfare.”
combined transaction value, while “eFAWATEERcom” was mainly Key Strategic Priorities:
used for payments to government entities. The total volume 1. Security and Reliability: Ensuring a secure digital environment.
of transactions also reached a new high, with approximately 2. Cyber Resilience: Building capabilities to withstand and recover
125.11 million transactions recorded across all platforms in the from cyber threats.
same period. Breakdowns reveal that “Click” processed about 3. Cyber Transformation: Enabling digital transformation through
16.1 million transactions, “Jumobi” managed over 15.4 million, robust cyber security measures.
and “eFAWATEERcom” saw about 33.5 million transactions. The 4. Cooperation and Partnerships: Fostering collaboration between
surge in digital transactions is mirrored by an increase in system public and private sectors.
users, indicating a shift towards electronic payment solutions NCSC President Bassam Maharmeh emphasized that the new
among Jordanians for their convenience and efficiency. By the strategy supports national digital transformation plans and
end of August, “Click” had registered around 1.52 million users. aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision’s goal of providing
This growth is reflective of a broader adoption of digital financial future services. He highlighted the importance of a secure digital
transactions in Jordan, driven by technological advancements environment in attracting investments and enhancing Jordan’s
and enhanced consumer preferences for digital solutions. This reputation as a security haven.
transformative growth in Jordan’s financial sector showcases the

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