The Mobile Economy Middle East and North Africa 2023

Mobile connectivity continues to serve as a lifeline for society, helping people and businesses to stay connected during challenging periods. This was particularly evident across the Middle East and North Africa in 2023 as several countries in the region grappled with various humanitarian crisis due to conflicts and natural disasters. Mobile operators have also been at the forefront of response efforts, offering free calls to help people stay in touch, enabling innovative rescue solutions and providing relief materials for the most vulnerable. The region is home to some of the global leaders in terms of 5G adoption, reflecting the ambitious rollout plans of operators, backed by enabling regulations and strong demand from consumers for new services. 5G connectivity is already proving to be a powerful driver of GDP growth, with 5G’s contribution to GDP in the Middle East and North Africa expected to reach $60 billion in 2030.

In addition to a range of technology, socioeconomic and financial datasets, including forecasts out to 2030, the Mobile Economy Middle East and North Africa 2023 examines key trends across the mobile industry: the next wave after 5G; tower asset monetisation; consolidation; the shift to circularity; and fintech progress. Additionally, it explores the adoption of smart city solutions in the region and the mobile industry’s impact on the SDGs. Finally, the research looks at broader mobile industry enablers in relation to spectrum.