An exhibition described as Afghanistan’s first national and international telecommunications and information technology expo opened in Kabul on Sunday, with Taliban officials saying it aims to showcase the country’s technological capabilities and promote digital development.
The five-day exhibition, held at the Afghanistan International Exhibition Center, brings together telecommunications companies and information technology firms from across the sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s deputy chief minister for economic affairs, said technological development was essential to Afghanistan’s future.
“Keeping pace with the demands of the modern era and advancing in technology and telecommunications is a responsibility for all of us,” Baradar said.
Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Taliban’s deputy chief minister for administrative affairs, said the administration was expanding digital government services and increasing the use of electronic systems across state institutions.
“The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology continues its work in several important areas,” Hanafi said. “One of them is digital governance, where considerable progress has been made, and efforts are continuing to further expand these activities.”
Hanafi also said the Taliban had installed more than 400 telecommunications sites in remote districts and villages to improve access to mobile and communications services.
“More than 400 telecommunications sites have been installed in remote districts and villages so that our citizens can better access telephone and telecommunications services,” he said.
Despite the Taliban’s emphasis on expanding digital infrastructure, many Afghans continue to report weak mobile network coverage and poor-quality telecommunications services, particularly in rural areas.
