Digital Partnerships Drive Innovation At GSMA M360 MENA 2024 In Doha

The recently concluded M360 MENA 2024, a prominent assembly dedicated to the future of mobile technology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), a significant step towards digital innovation in the region.

Held over two days in Qatar capital of Doha, the event witnessed a confluence of industry experts, policymakers, and technological innovators. They gathered to delve into the emerging trends and initiatives that are propelling digital transformation within the MENA region. This assembly underscored the importance of mobile technologies in bolstering the digital economy, highlighting the necessity for substantial digital infrastructure and the creation of innovation hubs.

The event served as a testament to the MENA region's increasingly pivotal role as a global nexus for digital innovation. By showcasing the transformative impact of mobile technology on the economies within the MENA area, M360 MENA 2024 also spotlighted the region's contributions to advancing global connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G technology.

Lara Dewar, GSMA's Chief Marketing Officer, expressed her satisfaction with the event's outcome, emphasizing the critical nature of collaboration and partnership in fuelling digital innovation. Dewar remarked, "This inaugural session of M360 MENA in Doha was a success by every measure. Collaboration and partnership have never been more vital and business leaders, policymakers and thought leaders shared how this is fuelling digital innovation and acceleration across the region. This is a pivotal moment in our industry and, convening here with the support from our Member and Host Sponsor, Ooredoo in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar, created the perfect culture for inspiration to abound."

Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, further highlighted the event's significance as a platform for showcasing Ooredoo's dedication to fostering digital transformation through collaborative efforts and innovation. He asserted, "M360 MENA 2024 has been an excellent platform for Ooredoo to showcase our commitment to advancing digital transformation through collaboration and innovation. As a key enabler in the region's digital economy, Ooredoo is focused on bringing cutting-edge technologies to life, creating tailored solutions that empower businesses, enhance customer experiences, and drive social progress."

The conference boasted over 1,000 attendees from more than 50 countries, representing 290 companies, half of which were from sectors beyond mobile. The event featured nine conference sessions and seven roundtables, providing a platform for over 50 thought leaders, ranging from mobile operators to fintech firms and NGOs. Furthermore, 10 national government delegations and intergovernmental organizations participated, illustrating the event's wide-reaching impact and significance.

The GSMA's Mobile Economy MENA 2024 report, launched during the event, provided a forward-looking analysis of the mobile industry in the MENA region. It projected that by 2030, 5G would account for half of all mobile connections in MENA. The report also highlighted the accelerating adoption of generative AI (genAI) by operators to enhance customer service, optimize network performance, and unlock new business opportunities.

Additionally, the report noted that mobile technologies and services contributed 5.5% to MENA's GDP in 2023, equating to $310 billion, and supported approximately 1.3 million jobs. By 2030, this contribution is expected to grow to $360 billion, driven by the expansion of 5G and mobile internet connectivity.

The M360 MENA 2024 has set a precedent for future discussions on digital transformation in the MENA region and beyond. By fostering a collaborative environment and highlighting the latest technological advancements, the event has paved the way for continued innovation and growth in the digital economy. As the digital torch passes to M360 Eurasia 2025, the momentum generated in MENA promises to inspire further advancements in mobile technology and digital collaboration across the globe.

Looking ahead, the GSMA announced the next chapter in its M360 series - M360 Eurasia 2025, slated to be hosted in Uzbekistan. This announcement was made during the Closing Ceremony of M360 MENA, where Qatar's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, passed the digital torch to Uzbekistan's Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov.

The ceremony underscored the importance of regional partnerships in advancing the digital economy, setting the stage for M360 Eurasia to continue the dialogue and collaboration initiated in MENA.