MWC26 Doha: Mobile economy in MENA set to reach €421bn, but millions remain offline
MWC26 returned to Doha as the industry faces a dual challenge: building the networks that will power artificial intelligence and narrowing a digital divide that still leaves millions of people without mobile internet.
The Mobile Economy MENA 2026 report predicts a mobile economy worth €421 billion by 2030 in the Middle East and North Africa region. However, despite economic growth accelerating, millions of people remain offline and fail to benefit from the digital economy. GSMA's report showed mobile technologies and services generated €340 billion in value in 2025, supporting 2.2 million jobs and contributing €35.8 billion to public finances.
Around 48% of the region's population used mobile internet last year, while 49% remained disconnected despite living in mobile network coverage areas. This digital divide extends beyond infrastructure issues to affordability, access, and usage of available technology.
MWC26 Doha, taking place alongside the International Telecommunication Union's Plenipotentiary Conference, aims to advance digital connectivity and ensure meaningful access for consumers in the region. The event, held in Qatar, seeks to address connectivity standards, digital infrastructure, and technological governance for the evolving global digital economy.
With AI systems rapidly evolving and demanding more resilient networks and advanced computing capabilities, the industry faces pressure to provide the necessary infrastructure. GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath emphasized the need for global standards and efforts to connect offline populations, acknowledging the past year's failure to make mobile connectivity affordable.
Investment forecasts are promising, with operators expected to invest €80 billion in MENA between 2025 and 2030. However, ensuring these investments translate into usable services for people and businesses remains a challenge. Addressing barriers such as smartphone affordability, data access, and digital skills will be crucial as AI transforms industries and workplaces.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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