Page 92 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Key Announcements: • Strategic Collaboration: Jordan Strategy Forum CEO Nisreen
• Digital Transformation Unit: Nasser Shraideh announced the Barakat expressed commitment to enhancing Jordan’s cyber
establishment of a digital transformation unit at the Prime security system through collaboration with the NCSC.
Ministry to support cyber security and data protection efforts. The strategy targets individuals, government institutions, critical
• Aviation Sector Focus: RJ Vice Chairman/CEO Samer Majali infrastructure, and the business sector, aiming to create a secure
underscored the critical need for cyber security in the aviation and reliable digital environment that promotes economic growth
sector to protect passenger data and ensure operational and societal welfare.
continuity. (July 17, 2024) www.meatechwatch.co

Kuwait

The Communications and Information Technology Regulatory leap in supporting contemporary digital services, applications,
Authority (CITRA) announced the launch of new frequencies in and continuous improvement of the user experience of mobile
preparation for the inauguration of the advanced fifth generation telecommunications network services. He explained that this
(5GA) technology, which is the latest and highest-level technology modern technology will support increasing the capacities of
in the telecommunications network sector. Acting Chairman of mobile telecommunications networks, allowing a larger number
the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory of fifth-generation subscribers to enjoy high-quality services,
Authority (CITRA) Abdullah Al-Ajmi said in a press statement noting that this technology is a step towards enabling the use
during a trial show organized by the Authority to launch these of modern applications related to the Internet of Things, artificial
frequencies that the third generation telecommunications intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, 3D video, and cloud
network services will be stopped within a maximum period of services. He pointed out that these developments will support the
June 2025 and that they will be used to support and develop needs and applications of smart cities and facilitate the transfer of
fourth and fifth generation telecommunications technologies. data at ultra-high speeds in future projects, reaching 10 gigabits
Al-Osaimi added that the advanced fifth-generation technology per second, thus benefiting various government, industrial, and
will enhance the state’s leadership position in adopting the latest commercial sectors, in addition to individuals.
modern technological developments and represents a qualitative (August 27, 2024) www.kuwaittimes.com

Morocco

Morocco is focusing on building a skilled workforce to support its expertise, Morocco aims to position itself as a global leader in the
digital transition by aligning graduate skills with the demands of technology sector, attract foreign investment, and encourage the
the digital economy. On September 20, the Moroccan Ministry of development of innovative solutions.
Digital Transition and Administrative Reform signed a partnership September 24, 2024) www.meatechwatch.com
agreement with the Foundation for Research, Development,
and Innovation in Science and Engineering (FRDISI) to advance The Commercial Court of Appeal in Casablanca has upheld a
research and development in digital transformation. As part of previous ruling ordering Maroc Telecom to pay 6.3 billion Moroccan
this initiative, 18 doctoral thesis projects will receive support, dirhams (US$635 million) in compensation to competitor Wana
including a monthly stipend of 7,000 dirhams (around $722), along Corporate (known commercially as Inwi) for unfair competition
with guidance and supervision over three years. This agreement practices. The case began in 2021 when Inwi accused Maroc
is a key element of Morocco’s forthcoming national digital Telecom of abusing its dominant position in the Moroccan market
strategy, “Morocco Digital 2030,” which will focus on training leading to profit losses for Inwi. The Commercial Court of Rabat
45,000 digital talents annually, transitioning 50,000 young people ordered Maroc Telecom to compensate Inwi in January 2024, and
into digital professions, and attracting 6,000 foreign talents each Maroc Telecom said it would appeal, but has now lost the case in
year. The strategy emphasizes investing in youth, particularly the appeals court. The fine is more than Maroc Telecom's 2023
doctoral candidates, to drive innovation and research that will net profit of MAD6.1 billion (US$615 million).
enhance Morocco’s international competitiveness. By fostering (July 4, 2024) www.connectingafrica.com
a workforce capable of meeting market demands and sharing

92 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024