GSMA M360 MENAÂ commenced today at the Fairmont Riyadh, marking the beginning of two full days of keynotes, summits and networking focused around shaping the digital ecosystem in the Middle East & 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 MENA region’s digital-first future. Key themes that will 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, Director General of the GSMA, said: “We are delighted to be here in Riyadh for M360 MENA and to witness some of the amazing innovation taking place in the city. Indeed, Vision 2030Â is taking off across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the beauty is that connectivity lies at the heart of it all. M360 MENA is our chance to champion these achievements in mobile connectivity and celebrate the ambitious vision for the digital economy in the entire region.”
The Mobile Economy MENA Report 2023
At M360 MENA, the GSMA launched the Mobile Economy MENA 2023 Report which revealed 5G’s GDP contribution is expected to reach $60bn in 2030, representing 13% of the overall annual economic impact of mobile in the region.
The report spotlights the latest trends shaping the mobile ecosystem in MENA, the mobile industry’s regional impact, and priorities that will fuel the industry’s future growth 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 remain the dominant technology in the region in the medium term, accounting for more than 50% of total connections until 2026.
· Continued MENA mobile growth through to the end of the decade
There are currently 415 million unique mobile subscribers in MENA, which will rise to 550 million by 2030. Mobile internet users will grow from 330 million today to 425 million in 2030.