Page 8 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2019

FEATURED SAMENA TRENDS

Therefore, Sudani with a very strong A. The digital economy is becoming We believe that different
infrastructure for the information a reality in people’s lives and it’s a
society, enabling advanced services complex ecosystem with different and digital trends will pick
by interconnecting (physical and numerous players involved which drives up across multiple
virtual) things based on existing and the supply and the demand from different segments in Sudan. If we
evolving interoperable information and perspectives so it’s really hard to articulate
communication this link clearly. However, this not the start by consumers then
most important fact at the moment. we believe that Fintech
Q. In your view, what new future- The important thing is to be aware of
minded possibilities could be created this digital revolution and its existence services and digital
through improved operator-regulator co- and exponential growth on both sides entertainment contents
operation? -demand and supply- so we need to be
part of it. But we are not alone and having such as gaming, video,
A. Operators and regulators are key the support from different stakeholders music, and educational
components of the ICT sector obviously on the enabling resources such as the contents are key digital
with different missions but a common spectrum and subsidies will put us and the
objective of taking this sector forward whole sector in a much better position to trends for this segment
and ensure its role in developing and bring the digital economy effectively to our and Sudatel is actively
protecting the whole nation so the co- people’s life.
operation should be a natural attitude in engaging in those trends
the relationship. The constant changes Q. What enablement process do telecom to evolve our product
and upgrade on the technology is bringing operators require to be able to capitalize
wide range of possibilities of products and on the opportunities offered by 5G? portfolio to meet the
services to the customers but it will always growing demand for it.
be difficult to deliver those products A. I can see that the 5G is gaining a
and services without highly cooperative momentum in the advanced markets the right enablement process to develop
and constantly improving relationship within the region with a lot of promises to our markets and catch up with the 5G
with the regulators that will help both enable the telecom operators to offer far technology considering the leanings from
of us achieving our missions but also more reliable and fast internet connectivity the advanced markets.
maintaining the sector’s global objectives which will increase the chances for us
to contribute to the economy and improve – as telecom operators- to grow our Q. In which segments, in particular, is
the social well-being. digital ambition and become a genuine Sudan’s digital transformation market
enabler to the digital economy. Still, we likely to grow fast, and what direct role are
Q. How do you view the link between the haven’t engaged very actively in the 5G you playing in this regard?
creation and adoption of digital services since our markets are slightly behind the
and the availability of resources such as others but I guess the time will come very A. We believe that different digital trends
spectrum, new incentives, and reduced soon in our markets to engage with all will pick up across multiple segments in
industry fees and taxation? relevant stakeholders to ensure having Sudan. If we start by consumers then we
believe that Fintech services and digital
entertainment contents such as gaming,
video, music, and educational contents
are key digital trends for this segment
and Sudatel is actively engaging in those
trends to evolve our product portfolio to
meet the growing demand for it. On the
government segment, e-government and
smart city services will be an interest for
everyone due to its direct impact on the
performance of the government and the
ease in interaction with the citizens and
subsequently improving their lives. Sudatel
-as the largest infrastructure provider
in Sudan- is expected to play a pivotal
role in supporting the government in this
vertical. SME’s and large businesses are
also expected to have a growing demand
around cloud services and some of the

8 NOVEMBER 2019