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Connect | MENA // DCD>Debate: Tangled lines - Can subsea and fiber networks deliver resilient connectivity?

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  • Telecoms & Connectivity
  • Open Session

Speakers

Darren Stratton

Darren Stratton

Director - Project Development, DataVolt

Johan Nilerud

Senior Director - Strategy & Planning, Khazna

Johan Nilerud

Johan Nilerud

Senior Director - Strategy & Planning, Khazna

Johan is a seasoned strategy and planning leader with over 18 years of international experience in the telecommunications, media, and technology (TMT) sector. He joined Khazna Data Centers, the largest provider of data center services in the Middle East and North Africa, as the Senior Director of Strategy and Planning in April 2023, where he oversees the development and execution of the company's long-term vision and growth plans.

Johan has a proven track record of successfully leading strategic and complex projects across various markets and segments, leveraging his strong analytical and commercial acumen, effective interpersonal skills, and a can-do approach. He has a passion for innovation and customer-centricity, and a keen interest in emerging technologies and trends. He holds an MSc in International Economics from Jönköping University, including exchange programs in the U.S., Japan and Argentina supplemented with Certificate in Business Strategy from Harvard Business School Online.

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Gabriella Gillett-Perez

Head of EMEA - Events & Awards, DatacenterDynamics

DCDHeadshots-0306-(B&W) 2

Gabriella Gillett-Perez

Head of EMEA - Events & Awards, DatacenterDynamics

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Amol Kulkarni

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Global Network & Edge Infra Planning, Acquisition & Delivery, Microsoft

Mahesh Jaishankar

Senior Advisor, Arthur D. Little

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Mahesh Jaishankar

Senior Advisor, Arthur D. Little

Mahesh Jaishankar is a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience in the telecom and big tech industries. Currently serving as a Senior Advisor at Arthur D. Little, Mahesh brings a wealth of strategic insights and operational expertise in AI, Cloud, Datacenters & Telecoms infrastructure. Previously, he held leadership roles at Google, served as CEO of Arc and was Vice president for infrastructure in du, where he drove innovation and growth in the digital and telecom sectors. His career spans a diverse range of responsibilities, including managing P&L roles, investments, acquisition, business development, corporate strategy, and transformation initiatives.

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As the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) rapidly digitize, the region’s subsea and fiber network infrastructure are becoming critical to economic growth and technological advancement. However, challenges remain in ensuring reliable, scalable, and secure connectivity amid geopolitical uncertainties and natural chokepoints.

Countries across MENA are investing heavily in data centers, cloud services, and terrestrial fiber corridors to position themselves as global digital hubs. While Gulf nations are leading the charge with large-scale investments, North African markets are also emerging as key players in hosting and processing regional data. Yet, questions persist: Can these efforts reduce reliance on traditional transit routes? Will new infrastructure projects provide the resilience needed to support big data, 5G, and AI-driven industries?

This debate will explore the evolving role of data centers and fiber networks in shaping MENA’s digital future. What strategies are needed to create a robust and interconnected ecosystem? How can the region ensure its digital infrastructure remains competitive and secure in a rapidly changing global landscape?

Conducted under Chatham House Rule, this DCD>Debate invites experts to dissect these pivotal industry issues.