SAMENA Council 2025: Advancing Sustainable Digital Transformation

Hosted by the SAMENA Telecommunications Council, the summit welcomed a high-calibre assembly of global policymakers, regional regulators, technology innovators, and digital ecosystem stakeholders. Held at Madinat Jumeirah, the event focused on urgent real-world challenges tied to building intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable digital economies, particularly within the emerging 5G-Advanced and AI-driven landscape.

Strategic Theme: Sustainable Digital Transformation

With the theme “Intelligent & Sustainable Transformation of Digital Economies”, the summit arrived at a critical inflection point. The rapid rise of agentic AI, intelligent networks, and data-driven governance calls for innovative collaboration models, infrastructure strategies, and forward-looking regulatory frameworks. In alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the summit’s agenda centred around defining priorities for the region’s next phase of digital transformation.

High-Level Opening and Guest of Honour

The summit commenced with a high-level Opening Ceremony featuring keynote addresses from TDRA, Huawei, ITU, South Africa’s DCDT, the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the World Broadband Association (WBBA), and ZTE. An MoU was signed between WBBA and SAMENA Council. A keynote was delivered by Guest of Honour H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, emphasizing the ICT industry’s role in societal development.

Exploring the Role of Space and Satellite Connectivity

A dedicated session on “Space & Digital Connectivity” examined the rising importance of mobile satellite services and non-terrestrial networks in strengthening regional digital infrastructure and resilience. With the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27) in view, discussions addressed strategic priorities for advancing space-based digital capabilities.

Multi-TRA Forum on Citizen-Centric Digital Services

Chaired by the TDRA, the Multi-TRA Digital Transformation Forum convened regional regulators and UAE government agencies to explore new models for delivering citizen-focused digital services. The forum emphasized the importance of leveraging the capabilities of 5G and 5G-Advanced networks for public sector innovation.

G20 Dialogue and International Policy Exchange

In a preparatory G20-centric roundtable, representatives from both member and non-member countries—spanning the public and private sectors—exchanged views in anticipation of South Africa’s G20 presidency in November 2025. The session aimed to align digital priorities and foster stronger international cooperation.

Business Model Reinvention in the Telecom Sector

A series of business-centric discussions, including the “Techco Transformation” session and the 5G-Advanced Leaders’ Forum, spotlighted the evolving role of telecom operators. These sessions explored how AI-driven, experience-focused services are shaping new monetization models and enhancing the value proposition of digital networks. Operators were urged to move beyond connectivity and embrace leadership in delivering intelligent digital experiences.

Governing the Digital Future: Cyberspace and AI

Roundtables on “Smarter Cyberspace” and “Digital Enablement” tackled emerging governance challenges surrounding AI deployment, cybersecurity, fibre expansion, and data protection. Participants explored actionable strategies for increasing affordability, accessibility, and innovation while maintaining a competitive and sustainable digital ecosystem.

Focus on Energy-Efficient Digital Infrastructure

The 9th Global ICT Energy Efficiency Summit, embedded within the broader Leaders’ Summit, turned attention to the environmental impact of digital expansion. Experts stressed the need for energy-efficient design, green technologies, and the safe deployment of power solutions, highlighting lithium battery safety and scalable low-energy infrastructure as essential for long-term sustainability.

A Hub for Partnerships and Regional Innovation

Beyond formal sessions, the summit functioned as a powerful hub for strategic networking, showcasing regional digital innovation and encouraging collaboration between global and local players. It provided a venue where policy met practice and where cross-border dialogue could evolve into concrete partnerships.

In his keynote remarks, Bocar A. BA, CEO of SAMENA Telecommunications Council, spoke candidly about the transition the region is navigating: “We are in the age of intelligent connectivity and operate in a landscape where infrastructure is no longer just about coverage—it is about cognition, energy discipline, and service relevance. In this context, the SAMENA Council Leaders’ Summit is not simply an event. It is a mechanism for regional coordination, for responsible innovation, and for establishing the shared direction we need. We cannot afford to be fragmented, neither in vision nor execution.”

Recognition of Partners and Collaborative Momentum

SAMENA Council expressed deep appreciation for its partners whose continued engagement drives the success of the summit. Special thanks were extended to ITU for its policy alignment support, DCO for its digital cooperation advocacy, and South Africa’s DCDT for enabling regional dialogue. Industry sponsors, including Chair Sponsor stc, Host Sponsor Huawei, Platinum Sponsor Mobily, Gold Sponsor ZTE, WBBA, and Strategic Partner 7Generation, were acknowledged for their commitment to advancing public-private cooperation.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Digital Transformation

As the summit concluded, a clear consensus emerged: achieving digital transformation demands bold leadership, unified governance, and inclusive innovation. Regional stakeholders must collaborate closely to operationalize their digital ambitions. Telecom operators, in particular, were encouraged to evolve into technology companies—or “techcos”—by integrating intelligent, adaptive networks within the 5G and 5G-Advanced environment to drive lasting impact.

“The future of our digital societies is not being written by technology alone,” Bocar A. BA concluded. “It will be written by how wisely we govern, how inclusively we build, and how effectively we lead. That is the spirit of the SAMENA Leaders’ Summit—and the legacy we are committed to building together, with the support of all of you. And once again, SAMENA Council would like to thank our chief patron and partners in the Leaders’ Summit for their active support in building a legacy of industry collaboration.”