Page 81 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

e& Egypt Officially Launches 5G Services, Accelerating National Digital

Transformation

e& Egypt has officially launched its 5G services, marking a pivotal
milestone in its journey since entering the Egyptian market. This
advancement strengthens the company’s role as a key driver of dig-
ital transformation and a contributor to Egypt’s economic growth.
Supported by a $170 million investment in acquiring a 5G operating
license, e& Egypt has bolstered its network infrastructure to deliver
high-quality, reliable 5G connectivity. CEO Hazem Metwally empha-
sized that the 5G rollout is not just about faster speeds but about
enabling a fully integrated digital future with enhanced connectivity
capacity and low latency. The new 5G network promises superior
performance across sectors, including fintech, digital banking, and
e-commerce, while enhancing everyday digital experiences such
as live streaming and real-time applications. Metwally concluded
by reaffirming e& Egypt’s commitment to fostering a connected, in-
novative, and sustainable future, leveraging advanced technology
to empower individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Tech Collaboration

Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Saudi Minister importance of joint ventures in AI and computing. The meeting also
for Communications and IT Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha reaffirmed explored collaboration under Saudi Arabia’s National Technology
their commitment to advancing Pakistan-Saudi technological Development Program to promote private-sector partnerships.
cooperation during a high-level meeting. The two nations Pakistan’s recent cybersecurity successes and the strategic role of
discussed launching the Pakistan Digital Corridor to enhance its armed forces were acknowledged, underscoring a shared vision
global connectivity with China and Central Asia. A key highlight for regional leadership in innovation and digital infrastructure.
was Pakistan’s endorsement of a Rs 4.8 billion Public Sector Minister Khawaja further highlighted Pakistan’s economic
Development Program (PSDP) to train over 7,000 youth in turnaround under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif,
semiconductor technologies, supporting the growth of Pakistan’s noting significant improvements: interest rates halved from 23% to
tech workforce. Minister Khawaja emphasized Pakistan’s full 11%, and inflation dropped from nearly 40% to below 5%, marking a
backing for Saudi Arabia’s National Semiconductor Hub and the path toward sustainable growth and digital transformation.

Pakistan Launches Smart City Initiative with Focus on Digital Infrastructure
and Education Reform

The federal government has initiated a comprehensive plan to from kindergarten through grade six to ensure early digital literacy
transform Islamabad into a pilot smart city, with Federal Minister and equal learning opportunities. In collaboration with the Ministry
for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja leading of Health, the government is advancing the “One Patient, One ID”
the efforts as directed by the Prime Minister. Following a Senate system to enhance healthcare delivery by enabling telemedicine
Standing Committee meeting on Information Technology, the and remote consultations at all BHUs. Educational reforms include
ministry announced funding to provide fiber connectivity to all plans to incorporate IT education into the national curriculum,
public schools, Basic Health Units (BHUs), hospitals, police supported by a committee established for this purpose. The
stations, and other health facilities in Islamabad. Full fiberization of government has set an ambitious target to train 500,000 youth in
these institutions is expected within six to eight months, alongside advanced IT skills through partnerships with global tech giants:
free public Wi-Fi at identified public areas and metro bus stations 200,000 with Google, 300,000 with Huawei, and 200,000 with
through public-private partnerships. The initiative also aims to Microsoft. These programs aim to elevate Pakistan’s IT workforce
expand educational access via EdTech solutions, integrating to global standards and boost youth participation in the digital
emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into curricula economy.

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