During the first day of the 17th Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO, e&, and Toni Eid, Founder of Telecom Review, and CEO of Trace Media International, collaborated in an opening fireside chat session.
When asked about what inspired e&’s transition from telco to techo, Dowidar said, “I think the key reason for our transformation and transition is a search for customer intimacy and shareholder returns.”
In recent years, the telecom industry has faced marginalization, being increasingly relegated to the status of a utility. Consequently, many telecom companies have sought to expand beyond traditional services by introducing various value-added services in an attempt to discover the next significant breakthrough. However, this pursuit has yet to materialize into a substantial transformation or blossom into the anticipated 'next big thing.'
“The thesis we have here in our transformation is that we're not going to try to find something that doesn't exist. We will actually look into all of our adjacencies and either invest or build something that competes with them.”
Dowidar cited their various investments, particularly in the B2C segment, such as Careem (super apps) and e& money (fintech).
“Given that we have the infrastructure, we are able to create growth not only for this year and next year but for decades to come… The challenge we face is, ‘how to run these companies in an entrepreneurial way and run them separately, but at the same time, to achieve the most synergy?’ This fine balancing act, I think, is the most challenging part of this journey.”
e& aims to capitalize on and harness the extensive scale it possesses as the largest telecommunications company. This involves leveraging its considerable resources, infrastructure, and market influence to explore new opportunities, enhance operational efficiency, and stay at the forefront of industry innovation. By maximizing its scale, e& endeavors to solidify its position as a leading force in the telecommunications sector and potentially extend its reach into emerging markets or diversify its service offerings.
e&: Making a Difference and Impact in Enabling a Sustainable Future
Dowidar emphasized the techco’s focus on ESG and sustainability. “We are the first telco in the region to announce net zero scope 1 and 2 and achieve it by 2040, ahead of most players.”
e& has successfully reduced its overall power consumption by 23%. The company is actively involved in power purchase agreements, expanding the company’s number of charging stations. Notably, e& is also playing a crucial role in facilitating energy solutions for other industries.
e& enterprise specializes in providing digital solutions that empower smart offices and promote sustainable homes. Through innovative technologies and tailored services, e& enterprise is at the forefront of creating intelligent and environmentally conscious living and working spaces. This strategic focus aligns with the broader goal of e& to offer comprehensive solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern businesses and individuals.
Dowidar affirmed that, within e&, artificial intelligence (AI) is fine-tuned for optimal utilization. “We are working with companies, individuals and governments that also optimize energy using the infrastructure that we have. So on one side, we are improving ourselves; and we're also helping others.”
The CEO highlighted that within their business, they currently have 450 applications dedicated to harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). This extensive range of applications suggests a comprehensive integration of AI technologies across various facets of their operations, emphasizing a commitment to innovation and efficiency within the organization.
In emerging markets such as Japan, Pakistan, and West Africa, where fixed infrastructure is limited, mobile communications play a pivotal role, serving as a fundamental enabler for various services. The significance of mobile communication extends beyond basic connectivity, encompassing essential functions such as mobile money services and disaster prevention and response. Notably, AI is being actively integrated into these services, enhancing their functionality and effectiveness. This underscores the transformative impact of mobile technology in addressing critical needs and challenges in regions with limited fixed infrastructure.
