New research from Nokia indicates that by 2030, 82 percent of connections across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region will be on 4G/5G networks, reflecting the shift toward data-centric usage and smartphones becoming more accessible. 5G is also an enabler for IoT, smart cities and enterprise solutions. As a result, its adoption is rising due to strong operator investments and government-led digital transformation initiatives, positioning it as a key driver of future connectivity, the company said.
By 2030 in MEA, 5G subscriptions are expected to reach 605 million, with 53 percent of total data traffic expected to be driven by 5G. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), 91 percent of subscriptions are expected to be on 5G, the highest in MEA, officials said.
The research is part of Nokia’s Mobile Broadband Index Report 2025, which provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving mobile broadband ecosystem across MEA. The study highlights the transformative impact of 5G investments in driving digital innovation and supporting economic growth across the region.
In addition, 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) is experiencing rapid growth, with its market share projected to surge from 15 percent in 2023 to 35 percent by 2030, signaling a significant industry shift toward advanced fixed wireless solutions, officials said. The momentum is largely driven by the increasing maturity of 5G networks across MEA, which are providing the necessary infrastructure for high-speed broadband delivery to homes and businesses without the need for traditional wired connections, the company said.
The adoption of 5G FWA offers advantages such as faster deployment and often lower infrastructure costs compared to fiber, making it an increasingly attractive and viable option for expanding internet access and enhancing connectivity in the region, analysts said.
“Significant investments in 5G technology are being made by operators in the MEA region, which will serve as the engine to enable IoT, smart cities and enterprise solutions,” said Mikko Lavanti, SVP, mobile networks, MEA, Nokia. “These advancements are expected to drive transformative use cases such as autonomous transportation, smart agriculture and advanced healthcare services powered by real-time data analytics. Additionally, the integration of 5G with edge computing and AI will unlock new opportunities for industries to optimize operations, enhance productivity and deliver innovative customer experiences.”
The full report can be downloaded from the Nokia website.
