The mobile industry’s contribution to the MENA economy is expected to reach $360 billion by 2030, up from $310 billion in 2023, with more than 700,000 people employed in the sector as technology continues to reshape the region. Telemedia services are playing a key role in this growth.
As World Telemedia Dubai kicks off on May 11, figures from the GSMA reveal the strong potential of the MENA market. Currently, there are more than 427 million mobile users across the region, with 327 million of them using mobile internet, making them ideal candidates for telemedia mVAS services. Of these, 81% use smartphones.
Mobile network operators (MNOs) in MENA earned approximately $66 billion in 2023, with revenue expected to grow to over $88 billion by 2030. The region’s success is heavily driven by network developments, including the rapid rollout of 5G, which is predicted to connect 50% of MENA consumers by 2030. This rollout has already enabled consumers to access high-quality streaming, gaming, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) services.
Moreover, the cost of mobile data has halved in recent years, making connectivity more accessible to a larger portion of the population. The growth of locally relevant content such as media, entertainment, social media platforms, and e-government services has also boosted user engagement.
Despite this positive outlook, challenges remain. Many rural areas still lack network access, which limits mobile usage and the potential for growth. Investment in infrastructure to close this gap would not only expand the market but significantly improve lives by offering access to healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment.
Economic instability, including hyperinflation and conflicts in certain countries, also disrupts mobile ecosystems and limits consumer spending power. Additionally, regulatory challenges persist in some markets, with strict laws creating barriers for operators, while light regulations in other areas allow fraud and cybercrime to flourish, affecting consumer confidence.
Concerns around data privacy and security are also complicating the adoption of advanced services like AI-driven mVAS. Nevertheless, the MENA market remains one of the most vibrant and full of opportunities, especially as the region looks to expand its reach into Africa, India, and South Asia.
Among the standout regions, the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) show high smartphone penetration and advanced 5G infrastructure, making them leaders in digital transformation. North African countries like Egypt are seeing increased mobile device affordability and government services adoption. While countries like Iran, Algeria, and Libya face challenges such as economic instability and poor infrastructure, they are expected to join the next wave of MENA’s mobile growth as investments in network infrastructure increase.
