Nokia’s latest Mobile Broadband Index 2024 sheds light on the ongoing 5G revolution in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), revealing the transformative potential of this technology as it reshapes the region’s digital landscape. The report projects a remarkable surge in 5G adoption, with subscriptions expected to hit 519 million by 2029, representing nearly 23% of total mobile connections.
While 4G subscriptions in the MEA region are forecasted to stabilize by 2027, 5G is primed for exponential growth. By 2029, 48% of all mobile data traffic in the region will be driven by 5G, highlighting its vital role in the digital transformation journey.
According to Nokia, around 60% of Communications Service Providers (CSPs) in the MEA region have already embraced 5G as part of their strategy to enhance digital services, driven by the need for high-speed connectivity and efficient network performance.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to lead the charge, with a staggering 90% of mobile subscriptions in this sub-region predicted to be on 5G networks by 2029. This growth is fueled by significant government investments in 5G infrastructure and a strong commitment to building advanced digital ecosystems.
As 5G continues to expand across the MEA region, it will play a dominant role in shaping future data traffic. The report projects that 5G and 4G networks combined will account for over 90% of total data traffic by 2029. In the GCC region alone, 90% of all data traffic is expected to be carried on 5G networks, demonstrating the extensive reach and influence of this next-generation technology.
In addition to mobile connectivity, 5G is also accelerating the adoption of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) across the region. FWA subscriptions are projected to grow from 11% in 2022 to an impressive 38% by 2029.
This surge is primarily driven by the need for faster, more reliable internet access, especially in remote and underserved areas, where traditional fixed-line services are either too expensive or unavailable.
The insights from Nokia’s report underscore how 5G is driving the MEA region’s digital transformation, unlocking new opportunities for industries, governments, and consumers.
With its ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and enhanced network capacity, 5G is set to revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, and smart cities, while enabling new services and applications that rely on high-speed connectivity.
As the region races towards a connected future, the rapid adoption of 5G will be instrumental in shaping the MEA’s digital economy, fostering innovation, and bridging the digital divide. By 2029, with 5G reaching nearly one in four mobile subscriptions, the region is poised to become a global leader in advanced connectivity solutions.
The findings from Nokia’s Mobile Broadband Index 2024 highlight the critical role 5G plays in the MEA region’s connectivity landscape. As governments and telecom providers continue to invest in 5G infrastructure, the technology is set to transform industries, drive data traffic growth, and bring high-speed internet access to underserved areas. By 2029, 5G will not only be a key enabler of digital transformation but also a cornerstone of future economic development across the Middle East and Africa.