The GSMA celebrates the start of its activity with the publication of its Mobile Economy MENA 2023 Annual Report
December 5, 2023, Riyadh: GSMA M360 MENA kicked off today at the Fairmont Riyadh, marking the start of two full days of keynotes, summits and networking focused on shaping the digital ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The annual event, supported by host sponsor stc, convenes leaders from across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries to explore the strategies, collaboration and policies that will accelerate the digital future of the MENA region. Key topics to be discussed at this year's event include the transformative power of AI, IoT and edge computing, cybersecurity threats and approaches, digital inclusion and future opportunities for 5G.
Mats Granryd, CEO of GSMA, said: “We are delighted to be here in Riyadh for M360 MENA and to witness some of the incredible innovations taking place in the city. In fact, Vision 2030 is taking off across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the good thing is that connectivity is at the core of it all. “M360 MENA is our opportunity to champion these achievements in mobile connectivity and celebrate the ambitious vision of the digital economy across the region.”
MENA Mobile Economy Report 2023
At M360 MENA, the GSMA launched the MENA Mobile Economy Report 2023, which revealed that 5G's contribution to GDP is expected to reach $60 billion by 2030, representing 13% of the overall annual economic impact of the mobile telephony in the region.
The report highlights the latest trends shaping the mobile ecosystem in MENA, the regional impact of the mobile industry and the priorities that will drive future growth of the industry in the region.
Other key findings include:
- 5G will account for half of total mobile connections in MENA by 2030
5G is gaining momentum in MENA, driven by the launch of new networks and the rapid expansion of existing networks. However, 4G will continue to be the dominant technology in the region in the medium term, representing more than 50% of total connections until 2026.
- Continued mobile growth in MENA until the end of the decade
There are currently 415 million unique mobile subscribers in MENA, which will increase to 550 million in 2030. Mobile Internet users will grow from 330 million today to 425 million in 2030.
- Commercial 5G deployments in MENA have been mixed
As of the end of November 2023, 23 mobile operators in nine MENA markets had launched commercial 5G services. Despite growing 5G momentum in North Africa, commercial 5G remains absent in the region, reflecting the plight of spectrum that has yet to be allocated in any North African country.
- 5G SA and 5G-Advanced will be at the center of the next phase of 5G
As of June 2023, six operators in MENA had already deployed 5G SA networks, representing 15% of the global total. Operators in MENA have also started planning for 5G-Advanced.
- The shift towards circularity is gaining momentum
In response to growing concerns about e-waste generation and unsustainable depletion of natural resources, the concept of circularity has come to the forefront of the agendas of policymakers and industry stakeholders. This amplified focus on sustainability is particularly evident in light of the region's role as host of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
Presented by GSMA, M360 is a series of global events that unify the regional mobile ecosystem. The events aim to discover, develop and deliver innovation that serves as a foundation for positive business environments and social change. The events facilitate inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking panel discussions, and engaging case studies on mobile technology and adjacent verticals.
M360 MENA follows a full year of the GSMA's M360 event series in 2023, which this year included M360 Eurasia, M360 LATAM, M360 UK and M360 APAC.
To view the full M360 agenda, click here. To download the MENA Mobile Economy Report, click here.
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About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver critical innovation for positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members three broad pillars: connectivity for good, industry services and solutions, and outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, addressing today's biggest societal challenges, supporting the technology and interoperability that make mobile devices work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
We invite you to learn more at gsma.com
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