ICT
From The Report: Syria 2026
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The ICT sector is entering a new phase following more than a decade of conflict that disrupted infrastructure and constrained network expansion and digitalisation. As Syrians return and reconstruction gathers pace, there is an opportunity to modernise telecommunications infrastructure and expand digital services access. Strengthening connectivity will be an important foundation for economic recovery, supporting businesses, public services and wider digitalisation. The government has opened the doors to private investment and aims to establish the country as a major digital destination between Asia and Europe. The predominantly young demographic is expected to drive innovation, with training programmes helping to develop a highly skilled workforce to support digitalisation efforts.

This chapter features interviews with Abdulsalam Haykal and Bader Al Kharafi.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Wired for recovery: Sector positioned for growth, driven by reconstruction investment and expanding private participation
OBG
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The ICT sector is entering a new phase following more than a decade of conflict that disrupted infrastructure and constrained network expansion and digitalisation. As Syrians return and reconstruction gathers pace, there is an opportunity to modernise telecommunications infrastructure and expand digital services access. Strengthening connectivity will be an important foundation for economic recovery, supporting businesses, public services and wider digitalisation. The government has opened the doors to private investment and aims to establish the country as a major digital destination between Asia and Europe. The predominantly young demographic…

Interview

Bridging lost years: Abdulsalam Haykal, Minister of Communications and IT, on rebuilding Syria’s connectivity, modernising government and opportunities in the digital economy
OBG
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Interview:Abdulsalam Haykal, Minister of Communications and IT, on rebuilding Syria's connectivity, modernising government and opportunities in the digital economy What role will digital infrastructure play in Syria’s reconstruction efforts and how does SilkLink advance that mission? ABDULSALAM HAYKAL: Syria missed the years between 2011 and 2024, years in which connectivity became the oxygen of modern life. Recovering that ground requires nationwide infrastructure that allows the economy…

Interview

Building foundations: Bader Al Kharafi, Vice-Chairman and Group CEO, Zain, on how telecommunications investment can support Syria’s reconstruction
OBG
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Interview:Bader Al Kharafi, Vice-Chairman and Group CEO, Zain, on how telecommunications investment can support Syria's reconstruction By what means can telecommunications underpin economic recovery and longer-term resilience? BADER AL KHARAFI: Telecommunications is foundational reconstruction infrastructure. It reconnects people, businesses and institutions; lowers transaction costs; and creates the platform on which investment, employment and digital commerce can develop. In a post-conflict…