Interview of Ammar Hamadien, Former DG & CEO and International Senior Advisor
May 6, 2024
Ammar is an expert in telecommunications, digital policy, FinTech, and digital sustainable development, with a passion for leveraging technology to drive positive change across the world. With extensive experience in the Middle East and Africa region, Ammar has been at the forefront of shaping policies that foster digital and financial inclusion, safeguard privacy, and promote innovation.
Having worked closely with governments, international organizations, and the private sector, Ammar brings a unique blend of strategic insights and practical expertise to the table. He is deeply committed to building bridges between stakeholders and facilitating dialogue to address complex challenges in the digital landscape.
Here are my main takeaways as Dina from my conversation with Ammar:
- Policies must keep pace with technological advancements to remain effective and relevant.
- Governments need to invest in digital upskilling for public servants and citizens to ensure inclusion and effective participation in the digital economy.
- Robust cyber security measures are essential to protect against online threats and safeguard citizens’ data.
- Collaboration and knowledge exchange are essential for addressing global sustainability challenges and implementing innovative solutions.
Policies must keep pace with technological advancements to remain effective and relevant.
Interview Start
Dina:
Could you kindly introduce yourself and let us know what you’re most passionate about.
Ammar:
Firstly, thank you very much for this opportunity, and I’m excited about the prospect of further collaboration with you and Mohammed. My journey in the ICT industry began in the mid-nineties. After graduating from university in San Jose, California, I started my career in the Silicon Valley, initially with HP, and later moved to Cisco as a Systems Engineer, specializing in routing and switching technology. In 2002, I transitioned to Abu Dhabi, joining e& (formerly Etisalat), where my focus shifted towards mobile telecommunications. Following that, I had the opportunity to work with Zain Group in various countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Sudan, overseeing product and service portfolios. Subsequently, I served as the managing director and CEO of Chinguitel in Mauritania, overseeing a significant transformation of the moblile network and expanding coverage while introducing innovative value-added services. Later, I joined the GSMA’s Middle East and North Africa office, leading government and regulatory affairs and strategy engagement across 25 countries. Following this, I pursued further academic endeavors, obtaining an LLM in Technology, Media and Telecomunications Law from Queen Mary University of London. I then served as Director General of the National Information Center, leading Sudan’s digital transformation. I then joined the Digital Cooperation Organization in Saudi Arabia as a Senior Advisor before joining UNDP as an International Consultant for Strategic Digital Transformation and as a Lead Advisor for the Digital for Sustainable Development” initiative. Alongside these roles, I earned my PhD for my research on technology diffusion in the GCC countries, particularly in FinTech. Additionally, I hold an Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance from the Diplo Foundation in Switzerland and various professional development certificates from esteemed institutions such as Wharton, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Dina:
Your wealth of experience and knowledge is truly impressive, and I’m eager to learn more about it. On a more personal note, , while I can gather bits and pieces of your passions from the experiences you’ve shared, could you tell us what truly ignites your passion?
Ammar:
My passion centers around digital and financial inclusion, transformation, and development. As someone hailing from a third-world country with African heritage, I am deeply committed to leveraging technology to enhance lives. Specifically, I believe that digital technology can be a powerful force for positive change. However, it’s essential to recognize that technology alone cannot achieve meaningful impact without the right regulatory frameworks in place.
One critical aspect of my advocacy lies in crafting effective digital policies. These policies ensure that technology serves as an enabler rather than a barrier. But how do we measure progress in this area? Let’s turn to recent data.
Researchers, including myself, have been studying technology adoption in the financial services industry (commonly known as fintech). A Digital Financial Inclusion Index was developed to assess the extent of financial inclusion enabled by technology systematically. This index considers both access and usage dimensions of digital financial services (DFSs) across 52 developing countries for 2014 and 2017. Fintech adoption has been a crucial driver of financial inclusion. As technology advances, more people gain access to financial services, bridging gaps and empowering individuals worldwide. There is wide variation across countries and regions. The greatest progress has been recorded in Africa and Asia-Pacific regions, where digital inclusion efforts have made significant strides.Â
As a Fellow in Privacy at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), I staunchly advocate for information privacy. Protecting individuals’ data rights is essential as we navigate the digital landscape.
I am fervently interested in cross-border data exchange. This practice holds immense potential for various sectors, including commerce, education, healthcare, and digital financial services. We can unlock opportunities and drive economic growth by facilitating secure data flows across borders.
In summary, my passion lies in ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. I envision a world where digital technology and innovation are accessible to every individual, regardless of their background or location.
Dina:
I’d like to delve a bit deeper into your experience working in Sudan. I understand it was for approximately a year, and both of us come from developing countries with a profound belief in the transformative potential of technology for governments and societies. Despite the political turbulence and challenges, could you share a success story or a significant challenge you faced during your time in Sudan?
Ammar:
In the wake of Sudan’s 2019 post-dictatorship revolution, we faced a critical challenge: the institutional frameworks and strucutures. As an advocate for transformation—digital or otherwise—I firmly believe institutions must be well-prepared to drive meaningful change. My mission centered on revitalizing the National Information Center (NIC), a pivotal hub for Sudan’s digital transformation strategy. Our objective was clear: to ensure the NIC’s readiness across multiple dimensions:
We assessed and upgraded the NIC’s technological infrastructure. Robust systems, cybersecurity protocols, and data management capabilities were essential for effective implementation. Investing in human capital was paramount. We provided training, fostered skill development, and empowered our team to navigate the complexities of digital transformation. Crafting sound policies was non-negotiable. We collaborated with legal experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to establish guidelines that aligned with global best practices. Our efforts started to bear fruit through strategic collaborations with the international community. We engaged with donor organizations committed to Sudan’s progress. Their financial support fueled our initiatives. The World Bank and UN Agencies, recognizing the value of our strategy, have actively contributed to our digital transformation journey. Also, close relationships with friendly nations facilitated knowledge exchange, capacity building, and technology transfer.
Beyond technical milestones, I am passionate about fostering collaboration. Shifting from competition to cooperation is essential. When diverse stakeholders unite, innovation thrives, and technology investments benefit societies.
Dina:
Thank you very much. Indeed, achieving inclusion is paramount, even for the most developed nations aspiring to be digital leaders. Despite advancements, challenges such as digital literacy gaps and unequal access to broadband persist, leading to digital exclusion. Drawing from your extensive experience and heartfelt commitment to inclusion, what lessons or advice would you offer to governments grappling with these issues?
Ammar:
In the realm of digital governance, addressing critical concerns necessitates strategic tools and frameworks. Among these, I advocate for adopting the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Our overarching objective is inclusion—ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution. The DPI concept unifies diverse technological components into a cohesive ecosystem, streamlining the implementation of digital strategies and providing sustained support beyond the initial rollout.
The United Nations has taken a holistic approach through the “Whole of Society Framework.” This comprehensive initiative underscores collaboration between the private and public sectors. Its purpose? To deploy affordable and locally relevant technologies, fostering equitable and sustainable growth in the digital era.
While broadband penetration rates soar in many countries, we must delve deeper. Affordability and accessibility are critical factors. High percentages of coverage mean little if segments of the population remain excluded. Policies accompanying broadband deployment should incentivize citizens to utilize these technologies actively.
Safety and individual rights must remain at the forefront as we forge ahead. When strategies are solely profit-driven, there’s a risk of overlooking safeguards. Citizens’ privacy and security should never be compromised. We must continually question who truly benefits from citizens’ data.
Bridging the gap between governments and citizens requires robust, inclusive technology interfaces. These bridges should prioritize citizens’ well-being over commercial interests. By doing so, we create a digital landscape that empowers all.
Our journey toward digital inclusion hinges on progressive frameworks, collaborative efforts, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of our global community.
Dina:
Absolutely, your insights on data protection and privacy are invaluable. As many countries, particularly developed ones, are now implementing these regulations, it’s evident that some policies lack clarity when examined in depth. What, in your opinion, is the optimal approach to crafting such policies to ensure their effectiveness beyond mere words on paper?
Ammar:
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) undoubtedly takes center stage when discussing data protection. However, in my extensive work across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, I’ve championed a nuanced approach that emphasizes regionalized data protection frameworks before localization. By regionalizing data protection frameworks, we create pathways for seamless data exchange among neighboring countries. This interconnectedness fosters collaboration facilitates cross-border services, and supports regional economic growth. While GDPR provides a robust foundation, breaking away from a one-size-fits-all mentality is essential. MENA countries have unique contexts, cultural nuances, and technological landscapes. Establishing similar regional frameworks allows us to tailor policies that align precisely with these realities. I advocate for establishing dedicated data protection authorities in every country to operationalize these frameworks effectively. These bodies can harmonize regulations, provide guidance, and ensure consistent enforcement. Our journey toward robust data protection involves both global best practices (such as GDPR) and localized adaptations. By fostering collaboration and prioritizing regional needs, we pave the way for a data-resilient MENA region.
Dina:
That’s insightful. Can you provide an example of a region or country that has effectively executed these best practices?
Ammar:
While I’m cautious about singling out specific countries, the digital transformation successes of the UAE and Saudi Arabia serve as exemplary cases. Additionally, initiatives like the Digital for Sustainable Development, which I’m involved in with the UNDP, offer valuable insights for multi-country initiatives seeking to replicate such successes.
Dina:
That’s fascinating. Could you shed more light on the UNDP’s Leader for Sustainable Project?
Ammar:
I’m unable to disclose details to the media currently, but I’ve shared a link with you, and we’ll soon participate in the SAMENA Telecommuncations Leaders’ Summit 2024 in Dubai to provide more information. However, the Digital Public Infrastructure framework, a publicly available resource, and initiatives like Digital for Sustainable Development aim to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by leveraging digital technologies to address global challenges such as poverty eradication.
Dina:
Sounds promising. Regarding the SDGs, is the approach more comprehensive or specific to each goal?
Ammar:
It’s a general platform that brings together countries, public entities, private companies, and civil society to collaborate on various initiatives. For instance, one initiative focuses on leveraging AI for sustainable development through partnerships between the public and private sectors and academic and research intitisutions.
Dina:
That’s impressive. Given your role in advising governments, how do you advocate for private sector involvement in policy formulation?
Ammar:
Private sector engagement is crucial for economic advancement. As a neutral third party, I facilitate dialogue between the public and private sectors, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships for sustainable development.
Dina:
Navigating discussions between these stakeholders must pose challenges. What are the main hurdles, and how do you overcome them?
Ammar:
Engaging public sector entities in institutional reform is a pivotal necessity in the governance landscape. Numerous institutions remain unprepared for transformation, whether hindered by entrenched internal policies, bureaucratic complexities, or skill gaps. Before embarking on any transformative journey, we must assess institutional readiness. Many public sector entities grapple with legacy policies, administrative bottlenecks, and workforce limitations. Acknowledging these challenges is the first step toward effective reform. By prioritizing institutional reform, we create an enabling environment. This environment fosters open dialogue, collaboration, and synergy between the public and private sectors. It transcends silos, allowing for shared goals and collective impact. Effective governance hinges on robust communication channels. When institutions evolve, they become more receptive to external partnerships. These collaborations drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainable development. Institutional reform isn’t merely a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative. As we pave the way for dialogue and collaboration, we lay the foundation for a resilient, responsive public sector that thrives in tandem with the dynamism of the private sector.
Dina:
You’ve highlighted the significance of digital policies. Besides digital ID, what other foundational policies do you recommend for governments embarking on their digital transformation journey?
Ammar:
In addition to digital ID policies, establishing robust data governance frameworks is essential. Effective data governance ensures the responsible collection, sharing, and protection of data, laying a solid foundation for digital transformation.
Dina:
What other policies do you recommend different countries adopt right now, especially with AI emerging and other upcoming technologies? We’re noticing that policies often lag behind technological advancements. How would you advise governments to address this time constraint?
Ammar:
Digital capacity building is crucial for both public servants and citizens. Governments should pursue parallel strategic directions to ensure effective inclusion. This involves implementing policies for digital upskilling in the public sector and cybersecurity measures to protect against online threats. Striking a balance between citizens’ digital rights and national security guidelines is also essential. We cannot afford to wait for policies to catch up with technology; instead, we must accelerate the introduction of technologies while safeguarding data and security.
Dina:
Absolutely. As governments begin leveraging these emerging technologies, where do you see government digitization heading in the next 30 years?
Ammar:
As governments embark on digitization, their focus naturally gravitates toward essential citizen services. Education, healthcare, transportation, and environmental conservation emerge as key pillars in this transformative journey. However, beyond service delivery, there lies a critical responsibility—to address the intricate interplay between technology and our environment. Digitization enables streamlined access to vital services. Citizens benefit from efficient education systems, responsive healthcare networks, improved transportation infrastructure, and sustainable environmental practices. These services directly impact quality of life and societal well-being. As technology advances, so does its ecological footprint. Governments must proactively assess the environmental impact of digital initiatives. From data centers to e-waste management, sustainable practices are essential. We owe it to future generations to safeguard our planet. Government digitization isn’t merely about efficiency; it’s about balance. By prioritizing citizen needs while championing environmental stewardship, we create a harmonious digital landscape—one that serves both present and future generations.
Dina:
Indeed, integrating technology and environmental concerns is vital. Do you have any advice for governments on bridging these two areas, which are often viewed separately despite their interconnectedness?
Ammar:
Clear policies are needed to ensure that technology companies adhere to environmental guidelines. Governments should encourage private sector investment in sustainability through CSR initiatives. Establishing sustainability departments within companies can also help manage the impact of technology on society and the environment.
Dina:
Thank you for sharing these insights. If there’s anything else you’d like to add, please feel free. Otherwise, I appreciate your time.
Ammar:
I’d like to highlight the importance of sustainability and innovative technologies like the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in the UAE. Such initiatives set an example for global cooperation in addressing climate challenges. Governments should prioritize knowledge exchange to support sustainability efforts worldwide.
Dina:
Indeed, sharing best practices is crucial for global sustainability efforts.
Interview End
Key Messages extracted by Dina:
- Establish a bold vision, assemble a cohesive team, address barriers proactively, and maintain meticulous documentation and monitoring for successful digital transformation, akin to running a marathon rather than a sprint.
- Focus on pivotal components such as secure digital identity, centralized portals, efficient notification systems, payment platforms, automated processes, digital signatures, and cloud infrastructure, while ensuring citizen-centricity and scalability.
- Effective communication with citizens requires utilization of specialized media channels, ensuring they comprehend the objectives you are aiming for.
Interview done by
Dina Richani, is a consultant with a rich background of working with various governments and experience at renowned institutions like the United Nations and World Bank.
