Business Daily Media

Men's Weekly

.

Driving Mobile Growth: GSMA Advocates for Policy Reforms to Enhance Investment in MENA

Vodafone Egypt Partners with GSMA to Propel Mobile Investment and Policy Changes in MENA; New Report Highlights Five Key Reforms to Expedite 5G Deployment and Digital Transformation in the Region

CAIRO, EGYPT - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 April 2025 – Policymakers and regulators across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) risk missing out on significant economic growth driven by mobile technology unless urgent policy reforms are enacted, according to a new GSMA report presented today at a high-level CxO and policy roundtables hosted by Vodafone Egypt in Cairo. The report, Igniting Mobile Investment in MENA, takes a closer look at how well countries in the region are set up to improve and expand their mobile networks. It highlights key strengths and problem areas in current policies, offering practical ideas to help unlock more investment and enhance mobile access for everyone.

With the mobile sector projected to contribute over $200 billion to MENA's GDP by 2030, the stakes are high. However, the report finds that outdated regulatory environments including fragmented licensing management, and high sector specific taxation are stifling the necessary investments to expand and modernise networks. At the same time, more than 250 million people remain offline despite being within coverage - underscoring the urgent need for policies that support both infrastructure expansion and meaningful digital inclusion.

"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."

At the reports core is the Infrastructure Policy Readiness Framework, a diagnostic tool developed by the GSMA to help policymakers assess the investment-readiness of their regulatory environments. The report evaluates mobile investment conditions in 13 markets across MENA, uncovering shared challenges such as:
  • Restrictive licensing models and too short spectrum licence durations
  • High and distortionary sector-specific taxes
  • Delays in approvals for infrastructure deployment
  • Lack of supportive frameworks for network sharing
  • Limited provisions for cross-border data flows and innovation

Five Priority Reforms to Unlock Mobile Investment

The GSMA has identified five top policy priorities essential to improving investment climates and accelerating network rollout:
  1. Modernise licensing framework to allow technology neutrality and increase spectrum license duration to provide clarity and reduce risk for investors
  2. Fair and investment-friendly taxation that encourages infrastructure investment
  3. Supportive frameworks for infrastructure sharing to lower costs and expand rural coverage
  4. Competitive, open market dynamics to enable efficient investment and consumer choice
  5. Regulation that enables innovation and emerging technologies, such as 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."

A Shared Commitment to Progress
The report was presented during the GSMA MENA CxO Roundtable, bringing together senior government officials and industry leaders. The event highlighted growing momentum across the region for more collaborative policymaking and the importance of bridging the gap between ambition and action, emphasising that public and private sector collaboration is crucial for the successful digital transformation of the region.

"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."

The GSMA is now calling on governments across the region to adopt the report's recommendations and deepen engagement with mobile industry stakeholders to realise shared digital ambitions.


Hashtag: #GSMA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the GSMA

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop, and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy; tackling today's biggest societal challenges; underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work; and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.

About Vodafone Egypt

Vodafone is the largest telecommunications company in Egypt. The company's strategy is to shape the future of the new digital world while continuing to put our customers first. For more than 25 years, Vodafone has invested more than EGP 100 billion to make a tangible difference in the lives of over 50 million customers through its exceptional team of 10,000 employees. The company strives to strongly impact on the market with innovative products and services and seamless digital customer experience. They were the first to launch the Vodafone Cash mobile wallet, aiming to facilitate the lives of over 20 million Egyptians by providing access to digital solutions and financial services. In 2003, the company established the Vodafone Egypt Foundation for community development and invested EGP 700 million in high-impact projects, benefiting 11 million Egyptians. The company's purpose is to connect for a better future by using technology to improve lives and businesses and help develop inclusive, sustainable societies. It is committed to operating 100% on renewable energy by 2025.

For more information, please visit https://web.vodafone.com.eg/en/home or connect with us on LinkedIn at

News from Asia

HKPC Makes Its Debut at China International Industry Fair 2025

Leading Future Manufacturing with AI Taking 54 Hong Kong Enterprises to Explore Overseas Opportunities HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 September 2025 - Hong Kong Productivity Counc...

PAObank and China Ping An Insurance (Hong Kong) Launch Strategic Partnership, Bringing Integrated Banking and Insurance Solutions, Shaping a Digital Bank with Insurance DNA

PAObank 5th Anniversary Treasure Reward UNLOCK High-Interest Time Deposit and Travel Insurance All in OneHONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 September 2025 - PAO Bank Limited ("PAObank")...

MINT Incorporation Limited Announces the Launch of New Subsidiary, Axonex Intelligence Limited, Expanding into Smart Facility Management Solutions

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 September 2025 - MINT Incorporation Limited (NASDAQ: MIMI) ("MINT" or the "Company"), a leading Hong Kong-based provider of integrated interior design...

Merlin Entertainments' LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Hong Kong Halloween Special Event: "Monster Party" Unleashes a Brick-or-Treat Adventure

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 September 2025 - From now until 2 November 2025, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Hong Kong, part of Merlin Entertainments Group, invites LEGO® fans of all a...

Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific appoints CEO for Hong Kong Hub

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 September 2025 - Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific is pleased to appoint Hassan Omaish to the role of CEO for Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan (collectiv...

Parisian Luxury Debuts in Bangkok: Rabbit Holdings, under BTS Group, in cooperation with Ananda Unveil "THE RESIDENCES 38" Bangkok’s Ultra-Luxury Condominium with First-Ever Private Fine Dining Kitchen—Together with La Clef Bangkok by The Crest Collection

The French Art de Vivre comes to Sukhumvit 38, combining the ultra-luxury living of The Residences 38, the refined hospitality of La Clef Bangkok by The Crest Collection, and exclusive private dini...

Hongkong Land's BaseHall becomes Hong Kong’s first F&B venue to achieve "Triple Platinum" green building certifications

Hongkong Land sets a new industry benchmark in F&B sustainability, achieving platinum certifications across BEAM Plus, LEED and WELL standards HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach N...

Iglesia Ni Cristo's Care for Humanity Provides Support to International Students and Newcomers in Nine Canadian Cities

TORONTO, CANADA - ACCESS Newswire - September 16, 2025 - The Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, the charitable arm of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church of Christ, expanded its global outreach ...

DL Holdings x Bitmain/Antalpha Miner: Hong Kong's First Bitcoin Hashrate Stock

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 September 2025 - After trading hours on 15 September 2025, DL Holdings Group Limited (HKEX: 1709) announced a major strategic cooperation with Fortune ...

Green SM expands all-electric taxi service to Bekasi, supporting the city’s smart mobility vision

BEKASI, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 September 2025 - Green SM, the pioneering all-electric taxi service under GSM, has officially launched in Bekasi. From today, residents and visitor...

Why it’s time telcos rethink location and put customer experience first

Maurice Zicman, Vice President - CX Strategy at TP in Australia unpacks why the telco industry must rethink old assumptions and focus on digital-f...

Manny Shah: Is your business disappearing from Google? You’re not alone

Small business owners across Australia are panicking as their websites vanish from Google’s front pages overnight. According to Manny Shah, cofounde...

MR Roads named Queensland Finalist in the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards

MR Roads, co-founded by Daniel Mikus and James Rolph, has been announced as a Queensland finalist in the prestigious 2025 Telstra Best of Business...

AWS research shows strong AI adoption momentum in Australia, with startups outpacing large enterprises in innovation

Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com company, released new research revealing that while artificial intelligence (AI) adoption continues to acce...

Changing the World One Bite At a Time: IKU Turns 40

One of Australia’s first plant-based, chef-led eateries and now ready meal provider IKU is celebrating its 40 year anniversary with the business e...

Three generations marking 45 years in hot-air balloons

Australia’s leading hot-air balloon company is celebrating 45 years in the sky and its 700,000th passenger, driven by the passion of father-son du...

Sell by LayBy