Vodafone Egypt is associated with GSMA to boost mobile investment and changes in policies in Mena; The new GSMA report highlights five key reforms to accelerate 5G implementation and digital transformation in the region
April 28, 2025, Cairo: The policy and regulatory formulators in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) run the risk of losing significant economic growth driven by mobile technology unless urgent policies reforms are promulgated, according to a new GSMA report presented today in a high -level CXO and Round Tables of policies organized by Vodafone Egypt in Cairo. The report, Light mobile investment in MenaAnalyze more closely how well the countries of the region are established to improve and expand their mobile networks. Highlights key strengths and problem areas in current policies, offering practical ideas to help unlock more investment and improve mobile access for all.
With the projected mobile sector to contribute more than $ 200 billion to Mena GDP by 2030, bets are high. However, the report considers that obsolete regulatory environments, including fragmented licenses management, and specific taxes to the high sector are suffocating the necessary investments to expand and modernize networks. At the same time, more than 250 million people remain offline despite being within the coverage, which underlines the urgent need for policies that support both the expansion of the infrastructure and significant digital inclusion.
“Governments in Mena have established bold digital transformation objectives, but the investment climate is still behind,” he said Jawad Abassi, Mena Chief in GSMA. “This report provides a clear road map for the reform, which allows Mobile to offer connectivity, services and economic growth with which societies throughout the region say.”
In the reports, the nucleus is the Preparation frame for infrastructure policiesA diagnostic tool developed by the GSMA to help policy formulators to evaluate the preparation of the investment of their regulatory environments. The report evaluates mobile investment conditions in 13 markets in Mena, discovering shared challenges such as:
- Restrictive license models and spectrum license durations too short
- Specific high and distortion taxes in the sector
- Delays in approval for infrastructure implementation
- Lack of support frames for the exchange of networks
- Limited provisions for cross -border data flows and innovation
Five priority reforms to unlock mobile investment
The GSMA has identified five main priorities of essential policies to improve investment climates and accelerate the deployment of the network:
- Modernize the license frame To allow the neutrality of technology and increase the duration of the spectrum license to provide clarity and reduce the risk of investors
- Fair and friendly taxes for investment which encourages infrastructure investment
- Support frames to share infrastructure to reduce costs and expand rural coverage
- Competitive Open Market Dynamics To allow efficient investment and consumer choice
- Regulation that allows innovation and emerging technologiesLike 5g, AI and Cloud Computing
“These are practical and attainable steps that will pay dividends in the coming years,” he said Michaela Angonio, Chief of Policy and Regulation in GSMA. “It is not just about building networks: it is about creating opportunities for people, communities and economies throughout the region. With the correct policies, governments can unlock innovation, create jobs, reduce inequality and train millions to benefit from the digital age.”
A shared commitment to progress
The report was presented during the Round Table GSMA MENA CXO, gathering senior government officials and industry leaders. The event highlighted the growing impulse throughout the region for a formulation of more collaborative policies and the importance of closing the gap between ambition and action, emphasizing that the collaboration of the public and private sector is crucial for the successful digital transformation of the region.
“The telecommunications sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and digital transformation, which offers immense opportunities to boost innovation and connect communities,” he said Ayman Essam, Vice President of Vodafone Egypt for External Affairs and Legal Affairs. “In Vodafone Egypt, we are committed to take advantage of our experience, including our 5G experience in 49 Vodafone markets, to address the most pressing challenges of the region. By collaborating closely with the Mena and the GSMA operators, our goal is to boost significant policy reforms and promote a regulatory support environment that allows sustainable growth in the region.”
The GSMA is now asking the governments of the entire region to adopt the recommendations of the report and deepen the commitment to the interested parties of the mobile industry to perform shared digital ambitions.
About the GSMA
GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and offer fundamental innovation to positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock all the power of connectivity so that people, industry and society prosper. Representing mobile operators and organizations throughout the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members in three broad pillars: connectivity for good, services and solutions of the industry, and scope. This activity includes progress policy; address today's greatest social challenges; Supporting the technology and interoperability that make the mobile work; and provide the largest platform in the world to call the mobile ecosystem in the MWC and M360 event series.
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About Vodafone Egypt
Vodafone is the largest telecommunications company in Egypt. The company's strategy is to shape the future of the new digital world while continuing to put our customers first. For more than 25 years, Vodafone has invested more than EGP 100 billion to make a tangible difference in the lives of more than 50 million customers through its exceptional team of 10,000 employees. The company strives to strongly impact the market with innovative products and services and a perfect digital experience of the customer. They were the first to launch the Vodafone Cash mobile wallet, with the aim of facilitating the lives of more than 20 million Egyptians by providing access to digital solutions and financial services. In 2003, the company established the Vodafone Egypt Foundation for community development and invested EGP 700 million in high -impact projects, benefiting 11 million Egyptians. The purpose of the company is to connect for a better future through the use of technology to improve lives and companies and help develop inclusive and sustainable societies. It is committed to operating 100% in renewable energy by 2025.
For more information, visit or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone
