GSMA: Policy Reforms Needed to Boost Mobile Growth Investment in MENA

Policymakers and regulators across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) risk falling behind in unlocking the full economic potential of mobile technology unless swift and meaningful reforms are enacted. This warning comes from a newly released GSMA report, Igniting Mobile Investment in MENA, unveiled at a high-level roundtable hosted by Vodafone Egypt in Cairo. The report evaluates how prepared MENA countries are to expand and modernize mobile networks, and it outlines practical policy solutions to foster more inclusive and far-reaching mobile infrastructure.

A $200 Billion Opportunity Under Threat

Mobile technology is expected to contribute more than $200 billion to the region’s GDP by 2030. However, the GSMA report highlights serious roadblocks to this growth. Outdated regulatory frameworks, fragmented licensing systems, and excessive mobile-specific taxation are stalling the investments required for future-ready networks. Compounding the problem, over 250 million individuals remain unconnected despite living within mobile coverage areas, underscoring the critical need for smarter, inclusive digital policies.

“Governments in MENA have set bold digital transformation goals, but the investment climate still lags behind,” said Jawad Abbassi, Head of MENA at GSMA. “This report provides a clear roadmap for reform - enabling mobile to deliver the connectivity, services, and economic growth that societies across the region are counting on.”

Diagnostic Framework Identifies Core Challenges

At the heart of the report lies the GSMA’s Infrastructure Policy Readiness Framework, a tool designed to assess how well a country’s policies support mobile investment. The framework was used to analyze 13 MENA markets and found consistent hurdles across the region, including:

> Rigid licensing policies and short-term spectrum allocations

> High, sector-targeted taxes that deter investors

> Lengthy bureaucratic delays in infrastructure approvals

> Inadequate regulations for network sharing

> Minimal support for cross-border data flows and tech innovation

Five Key Reforms to Catalyze Investment

To overcome these challenges, the GSMA has laid out five essential policy recommendations:

> Modernize licensing systems by enabling technology neutrality and extending spectrum licenses to provide long-term clarity for investors

> Revamp tax structures to promote investment instead of discouraging it

> Encourage infrastructure sharing through supportive legal frameworks, especially in underserved regions

> Promote open and competitive markets that attract investment and empower consumers

> Foster regulatory environments that support cutting-edge technologies like 5G, AI, and cloud computing

“These are practical, achievable steps that will pay dividends for years to come,” said Michaela Angonius, Head of Policy and Regulation at GSMA. “This isn’t just about building networks - it’s about creating opportunities for people, communities, and economies across the region. With the right policies, governments can unlock innovation, create jobs, reduce inequality, and empower millions to benefit from the digital age.”

Bridging the Policy-Action Gap

These recommendations were shared during the GSMA MENA CxO Roundtable, which brought together senior policymakers and telecom industry leaders. The event underscored a growing regional commitment to public-private collaboration and emphasized the urgency of turning digital ambitions into reality. Stakeholders widely acknowledged that only through joint effort can MENA achieve its digital transformation goals.

“The telecommunications sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and digital transformation, offering immense opportunities to drive innovation and connect communities," said Ayman Essam, External Affairs and Legal Director at Vodafone Egypt. "At Vodafone Egypt, we are committed to leveraging our expertise, including our 5G experience across 49 Vodafone markets, to address the region’s most pressing challenges. By collaborating closely with MENA operators and the GSMA, we aim to drive meaningful policy reforms and foster a supportive regulatory environment that enables sustainable growth across the region.”

A Call to Action for Regional Governments

The GSMA is urging governments across the MENA region to implement the proposed reforms and actively partner with mobile industry stakeholders. With the right policy shifts, MENA can unlock massive digital potential and ensure that the benefits of mobile technology reach every community.