Page 69 - SAMENA Trends - March-April 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Morocco

The Moroccan government has announced the establishment of a key part of Morocco’s strategy to create 270,000 digital jobs by
the “YouCode Fès” school in the Fès-Meknès region, aiming to 2030, up from 130,000 in 2022, and boost digital export revenues.
enhance the country’s digital skills and contribute to socioeconomic This effort reflects Morocco’s broader vision of becoming a
development. The initiative aligns with Morocco’s Digital Maroc leading outsourcing and digital export hub. The country also aims
2030 strategy, which focuses on building a robust talent pool in to contribute to Africa’s digital transformation by addressing the
the digital sector. The “YouCode Fès” school will offer a two-year growing demand for digital skills across the continent. The launch
training program in programming and coding, with each cohort date for the “YouCode Fès” school is yet to be announced, and
accommodating 80 students. The program is designed to increase there are plans for similar initiatives in other regions.
employment opportunities in the digital sector, helping young (March 5, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com
people in the region secure tech-related jobs. The school will be

Nepal

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has announced infrastructure. However, the NTA said that 5G permits can be
that it will grant 5G permission to telecom companies within granted immediately. He also said that the necessary 21 MHz
a week. NTA Chairman Bhupendra Bhandari said at a program frequency could be provided to the telecom company. Currently,
organized by the Society of Economic Journalists-Nepal (SEJON) Nepal Telecom has only conducted testing and has not yet
in Kathmandu that the 5G permission could be granted within a launched 5G. Ncell, on the other hand, has stated that it has not
week of the telecom company submitting its application. There conducted any 5G testing due to the huge investment required in
have been increasing complaints that telecom companies in Nepal infrastructure.
are not prepared for 5G and are not ready to build the necessary (March 13, 2025) www.myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com

Oman

Tthe State Council’s Legal Committee discussed the report on the provisions of the law, addressing concerns and suggestions
the Telecommunications and Information Technology Regulatory to ensure that it aligns with the evolving needs of the sector. This
Bill, which was referred by the Council of Ministers. The meeting, review marks a significant step in enhancing Oman’s regulatory
chaired by Shaikh Sultan bin Matar al Azizi, focused on reviewing framework, ensuring that it stays competitive in the rapidly
the observations and views of the Technology and Innovation changing technological landscape. The finalization of this bill
Committee. The draft bill aims to update and regulate the will likely contribute to the country’s broader goals of advancing
telecommunications and IT sector to adapt to local and global its digital transformation and improving its telecommunications
changes. During the meeting, the committee members discussed infrastructure. (March 19, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com

Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office the arrest of two individuals involved in the illicit trade. The FIA
Gilgit, in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated a thorough investigation to dismantle the broader
Cyber Crime Wing, conducted a successful operation against the network facilitating the illegal distribution of foreign SIM cards.
illegal sale of international SIM cards. The targeted raid took place This operation is part of PTA’s ongoing commitment to curbing
in Danyore, Gilgit, leading to the recovery of six UK SIM cards and unauthorized SIM sales, which pose significant security risks.

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