Key Takeaways:
- 60% of communications service providers (CSPs) in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are adopting 5G to drive digital transformation.
- By 2029, 5G subscriptions in the region are projected to reach 519 million, contributing to 48% of total data traffic.
- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expects 90% of mobile subscriptions to be 5G by 2029, fueled by substantial government investments in 5G infrastructure.
Research from Nokia indicates that 60% of communications service providers (CSPs) in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region are embracing 5G technology to accelerate their digital transformation efforts.
While 4G subscriptions are expected to stabilize by 2027, the adoption of 5G is set to rise dramatically, marking a significant shift in the region’s technological landscape. Nokia’s Mobile Broadband Index Report 2024 highlights this trend, projecting that by 2029, 5G subscriptions will soar to 519 million, accounting for 48% of total data traffic in the region.
5G is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future connectivity landscape of the MEA region, with nearly 23% of all mobile subscriptions expected to be 5G by 2029. This accelerated adoption is especially pronounced in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sub-region, where a remarkable 90% of mobile subscriptions are projected to be 5G by 2029. This growth is primarily driven by substantial government investments in 5G infrastructure and strong support for advanced connectivity solutions.
Moreover, the rise of 5G technology is transforming the dynamics of data traffic in the region. By 2029, 5G and 4G networks are anticipated to account for over 90% of the total data traffic in the MEA region, with the GCC alone expected to see 90% of all data traffic carried over 5G networks.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) powered by 5G is also on the rise, with adoption increasing from 11% in 2022 to an estimated 38% by 2029. This surge in FWA adoption is driven by the demand for faster internet speeds and lower latency, particularly in underserved or remote areas.
Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President for Mobile Networks, MEA at Nokia, emphasized, “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.”
