The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is making considerable strides in developing its digital economy. Around two-thirds of the population in Northern Africa were using the internet as of July 2023, slightly above the global average
of roughly 64.5 percent. Within the MENA region, the GCC has witnessed the entry of more private mobile service providers to the region, accelerating the use of ICT services and significantly increasing users. The number of mobile internet users in the MENA region is expected to increase, with the GCC countries having the highest mobile internet penetration rate. Around 92 percent of the
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Mobile internet market MENA
Bahrain ranked top within the MENA region in terms of
mobile internet penetration, where almost all the population accessed the internet, followed by the UAE. When it comes to mobile internet speed, as of 2023, the UAE had the second-
fastest average mobile internet speed in the world, ranking after Qatar. Smartphone adoption in the region is growing and is set to increase most strongly in MENA's less advanced mobile markets until 2025, reinforced by network investment from operators. By 2025, the
number of smartphone subscriptions in MENA is forecasted to reach 652 million.
Social media usage
Egypt had the region's highest
number of social media users, followed by Iran.
Facebook was the most used social networking site, with more than 70 percent of young adults in the region using it. Aside from connecting with family and friends, social media has become a primary tool through which consumers research products and shop online. Over one-third of
social network users used Facebook Market place or Instagram Shopping Bag in the MENA region. Additionally, ads on social media are a key source of brand discovery among shoppers in the region.
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