The SAMENA Council, a pivotal telecommunications and ICT organization spanning South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa since 2006, convened its influential annual Leaders’ Summit in 2025 amid accelerating regional digital transformation and global focus on 2030 goals. This premier industry event brings together policymakers, operators, technology providers, and experts worldwide to explore emerging trends, innovations, and market opportunities that catalyze digital economic growth and foster collaboration.
At the 2025 Summit, ZTE showcased its cutting-edge 5G-Advanced and 50G PON fixed broadband networks, alongside AI computing solutions and a comprehensive range of AI terminal devices, under the banner “Catalyzing Intelligent Innovation.” Chen Qiong, ZTE’s CTO for the Middle East and Africa (MEA), delivered a keynote addressing the region’s ICT development challenges through ZTE’s integrated “Network + Computing + AI” solutions. He emphasized that this synergy offers end-to-end intelligent infrastructure critical for smart city initiatives, industrial automation in leading digital economies like Saudi Arabia and UAE, and bridging digital divides in Africa.
Highlighting real-world success, Chen referenced ZTE’s “using 5G to manufacture 5G” approach at the Binjiang 5G Smart Manufacturing Base as a model for leveraging connectivity, computing, and AI to foster sustainable digital ecosystems. The company’s leadership commitment aligns with SAMENA’s vision of cooperative, resilient digital growth throughout the MEA region.
Other ZTE executives including Guo Qi, RAN Technical and Strategy Director, and Hans Neff, Senior Director of the CTO Group, contributed insights on 5G technology and sustainability in panel discussions.
ZTE’s comprehensive exhibit spotlighted its advances in wireless and fixed networks, AI computing, and intelligent terminals, illustrating progress in its “Connectivity + Computing Power + Capabilities + Intelligence” strategic framework aimed at empowering digital economies across South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa.
