The Mobile Economy Middle East and North Africa 2024 (GSMA)

Summary

• By the end of 2023, 427 million people in MENA (64% of the population) subscribed to a mobile service.p.4
• At the end of 2023, 49% of the region's population used mobile internet, equating to just under 327 million users.p.4
• In 2023, mobile technologies and services generated 5.5% of MENA's GDP.p.4
• This contribution amounted to $310 billion of economic value added.p.4
• The mobile industry supported around 1.3 million jobs across the region.p.4
• By the end of June 2024, 53 operator groups had signed up to the GSMA Open Gateway, representing 240 mobile networks and 67% of mobile connections globally.p.5

Key insights

1. Mobile internet users number just under 327 million, almost triple the figure a decade earlier.p.4
2. GCC Arab states are among the global leaders in 5G development.p.5
3. Elsewhere in MENA, commercial 5G services are available in only four other countries.p.5
4. Early Open Gateway launches in MENA have focused on fraud prevention and security APIs such as SIM Swap.p.5
5. Aerial connectivity will play an important role in realising universal connectivity in remote and sparsely populated areas.p.6
6. Operators are adopting generative AI for customer service chatbots, virtual assistants and personalised marketing.p.6