As MWC25 Doha gets started, event organiser GSMA is predicting that the MENA region’s digital transformation has the potential to unlock $470 billion in economic value by 2030.
Held in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the inaugural edition of the show brings together leaders in the region with a focus on AI, 5G and intelligent infrastructure.
Launched alongside the event, two GSMA reports: Mobile Economy MENA 2025 and Enterprise in Focus: Digital Transformation in the MENA Region, revealed how growing digital technology adoption across the Gulf and North Africa is helping to expand access to vital services.
Findings indicate MWC25 Doha host country Qatar ranks highest worldwide for enterprise use of AI, big data and private 5G.
Other highlights from the reports include an observation 5G adoption is accelerating rapidly across MENA, with the technology expected to rise from 7 per cent of total connections in 2024 to 48 per cent by 2030.
Across the same timeframe, the mobile sector is to contribute $470 billion to the region’s economy, up from $350 billion, and mobile internet users are to rise from 308 million in 2024 to 378 million by 2030.
AI, mobile connectivity and related devices are expected to account for 45 per cent of all digital transformation spend through to the end of the decade, with enterprise spending averaging 9.8 per cent of revenue across MENA between 2025 and 2030.
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, said MWC25 Doha represents a major moment for MENA and the global connectivity community.
“Across the region, we’re seeing world-class investment in networks, AI and digital services, and this visible ambition is creating new opportunities for societies and economies”.
Shared priority
Badrinath, however, added that at the same time, large parts of the region remain offline and closing the gap must be a shared priority.
“The conversations starting here in Doha can guide the next phase of progress and inspire many geographies”.
In the reports, the GSMA notes more than 340 million people across MENA remain offline despite having access to mobile broadband coverage.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: MWC25
