The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is poised for a significant leap in 5G adoption, with 519 million 5G subscriptions expected by 2029, representing 23% of the region’s total mobile connections. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are set to lead the charge, with 90% of their mobile subscriptions projected to be on 5G networks by the same year.
A key driver of this growth is the rapid expansion of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which is expected to rise from 11% in 2022 to 38% of MEA’s total FWA subscriptions by 2029, powered by advancements in 5G technology.
In a recent report by Nokia, it was revealed that 60% of communications service providers (CSPs) in the MEA region are integrating 5G to enhance their digital transformation efforts. While 4G subscriptions are expected to stabilize by 2027, the surge in 5G adoption marks a pivotal shift in the region’s digital landscape. By 2029, 5G networks are anticipated to account for 48% of total data traffic across MEA.
The GCC region, in particular, stands out with 90% of mobile subscriptions and data traffic projected to be supported by 5G networks by 2029, driven by substantial government investments in 5G infrastructure and strong support for advanced connectivity solutions.
The rise of 5G is also transforming data traffic patterns, with 4G and 5G networks expected to carry more than 90% of total data traffic across the MEA region by 2029. This transformation is especially notable in underserved or remote areas, where the demand for faster internet speeds and lower latency has spurred the rapid adoption of 5G-powered FWA.
Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President for Mobile Networks, MEA at Nokia, emphasized the importance of 5G in the region’s development: “The adoption of 5G is increasingly important for countries across MEA to meet the rising demand for data services. This transition accelerates digital transformation while allowing CSPs to unlock new revenue opportunities. Nokia’s services empower CSPs to unlock the full potential of their networks, delivering advanced connectivity solutions that are critical for the region’s development.”
