Huawei calls for ‘Techco Transformation'
The forum brought together leading carriers, industry organisations, and analysts to explore how telecom operators in the Middle East and Central Asia can evolve from traditional telecom companies (telcos) into technology-driven companies (techcos). This transformation is a critical step in reshaping the region's digital economy, especially in the rapidly evolving era of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and artificial intelligence (AI).
Discussions at the forum specifically highlighted how the convergence of 5G-A and AI is not just an incremental upgrade but a fundamental shift, offering unprecedented opportunities for business growth, operational excellence, network enhancement, and superior user experiences.
Building on global leaders' transformation strategies and Huawei's deep understanding of the telecom industry, the company introduced a shared transforming framework, Techco1.0, which is centred around three key paradigms. The first is Servitization that focuses on Everything-as-a-Service, enabling individuals and enterprises to fulfil digital needs, while accelerating business monetisation seamlessly. The second is Platformization, which involves transitioning from fragmented, siloed systems to unified platforms that optimise resource integration and operational efficiency, enabling agile business expansion. Finally, Intelligentization emphasises embedding AI into all business processes to unlock new opportunities for AI-driven monetisation.
'As 5G-A and AI are advancing rapidly, the telecom industry is experiencing profound transformation', said Allen Tang, President of ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Department at Huawei Middle East and Central Asia. 'To remain at the forefront, we must embrace new approaches, strategically redefining core business models to drive sustainable growth, exploring emerging opportunities with both boldness and prudence, and, most importantly, establishing a future-proof technological foundation that fosters innovation and market expansion'.
This view was echoed by operator executives, including Dr. Ayman Elnashar, VP of Technology Strategy, Architecture and Innovation, e& UAE, who shared: 'Our journey to Techco is about resilience, sovereignty, and innovation. With cloud and AI as pillars, we are moving from connectivity providers to digital service orchestrators. We value Huawei's support in bringing in new technologies and modernising our core network'.
During a highly engaging panel discussion titled 'Telco to Techco: Best Way Forward for Telecom Operators,' the distinguished participants explored critical aspects of Techco transformation trends, standards, solutions, success stories, processes, and progress. Moderated by Emaad Ahmed, Chief Expert, Carrier Business, Huawei Middle East & Central Asia, the session featured insightful contributions from Wilson Xavier, Research Director, Telecom & IT Services, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, IDC; Dr. Yousuf Salim Mohamed Al Hinai, General Manager, ICT and Digital Solutions, Corporate Strategy, Omantel; Dr. Ayman Elnashar, Vice President, Technology Strategy, Architecture, and Innovation, e& UAE; and Izhar Ahmad, Director, Industry Affairs & Communication, SAMENA Telecommunications Council. The discussion delivered invaluable insights and trend forecasts by actively involving industry organisations and analysts, facilitating the development of robust transformation strategies and plans.
'The overwhelming success of the Techco Forum underscores the industry's readiness and eagerness to embrace profound transformation', said Wilson Xavier, Research Director, Telecom & IT Services, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, IDC.
'We are incredibly proud of the collaborative spirit and the depth of insights shared, which will undoubtedly accelerate the journey towards a more intelligent, efficient, and service-centric future for carriers worldwide. This event has not only set a clear direction but also strengthened the partnerships vital for achieving these ambitious goals', said Dr. Yousuf Salim Mohamed Al Hinai, General Manager, ICT and Digital Solutions, Corporate Strategy, Omantel.
The insights developed during the Techco Forum are expected to significantly contribute to the industry's collective understanding and accelerate the practical implementation of Techco strategies globally, unlocking new possibilities for growth and value creation.
Held on May 26, 2025, at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, the SAMENA Council Leaders' Summit 2025 brought together ICT policy, regulatory, and business leaders from across the ICT arena, covering the SAMENA (South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa), Central Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Under this year's theme of 'Intelligent & Sustainable Transformation of Digital Economies', the event reflected on the urgent need for smart and sustainable approaches to accelerating digital transformation and achieving digital growth across SAMENA Council's markets of strategic focus.
Image Credit: Huawei
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