The GSMA Mobile Economy MENA 2025 report highlights a fast-evolving digital industry marked by rising mobile internet usage, 5G momentum, major economic contributions and growing investment needs. The following ten insights capture the region’s most important trends.
1. Mobile internet users rise to 308 million
In 2024, 308 million people in the Middle East and North Africa were connected to the mobile internet. Usage continues to expand, reflecting steady improvements in network availability, device access and affordability.
2. 4G remains dominant while 5G grows steadily
Around 67 percent of users access the internet through 4G networks. 5G adoption is increasing but growth varies by market. GCC countries are moving faster, while several North African and Levant markets remain at early stages of adoption. 5G will reach 48 percent of the total mobile connections in 2031 from 7 percent in 2024. During the period, 4G will reach 42 percent from 65 percent.
3. Mobile sector adds $350 billion to regional GDP
Mobile technologies contributed $350 billion to regional GDP in 2024, equivalent to 5.7 percent of total output. This contribution is forecast to reach $470 billion by 2031, representing 6.3 percent of GDP as digital transformation accelerates.
4. Operator revenues and investments continue to climb
Operator revenues are expected to grow from $73 billion in 2024 to $90 billion in 2031. Operators will invest $102 billion in capex from 2024 to 2030 to expand 4G, enhance 5G and prepare for advanced network capabilities.
5. Mobile internet penetration will reach 378 million users by 2031
The number of mobile internet users is set to rise to 378 million by 2031, representing 52 percent of the population. This compares with 308 million users in 2024, which represented 46 percent of the population.
6. Usage gap remains high with 340 million unconnected
Almost 340 million people in MENA have access to mobile internet but do not use it. Penetration in high-income GCC markets stands at 71 percent of the population, compared with 43 percent in low and middle income countries. Key adoption challenges include affordability, digital literacy and limited access to relevant local content. Device affordability is a major barrier, with the median cost of an entry-level smartphone equal to 18 percent of monthly GDP per capita and rising to 44 percent for the poorest segments.
7. Spectrum harmonisation becomes critical for 5G expansion
Efficient spectrum allocation is essential as countries scale 5G. Mid bands in the one to eight gigahertz range remain the core resource for city-wide capacity. Reusing 4G bands, extending the 3.5 gigahertz band and opening new spectrum such as six gigahertz are necessary steps to minimise network densification, reduce costs and limit carbon emissions.
8. Mobile ecosystem supports 1.4 million jobs
Operators and the mobile ecosystem employed about 700,000 people directly in 2024. Another 700,000 jobs were supported indirectly across various industries, bringing the total employment impact to nearly 1.4 million.
9. Regional 5G leaders push into 5G-Advanced
The UAE, Kuwait and Qatar lead the region in 5G and IoT adoption. Operators including Zain Kuwait and e and UAE have conducted 5G-Advanced trials using new bands such as six gigahertz and 600 megahertz. North Africa is also progressing. Telecom Egypt is expanding 5G RAN deployments with Nokia, while Tunisia has initiated its tender process for 5G licences.
10. 5G FWA gains traction as a major broadband alternative
Fixed wireless access is becoming a key part of broadband strategies. Globally, 5G FWA will record the second-highest net additions among all fixed broadband technologies between 2023 and 2030. In Saudi Arabia, household penetration of 5G FWA will reach 16.5 percent by 2030. Many other markets will remain below 10 percent, though operators are expanding service tiers and bundling FWA with entertainment, gaming and smart home services. Zain, for example, offers four differentiated FWA plans and is enhancing performance using 5G-Advanced for better coverage, energy efficiency and higher data speeds.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
