Enterprises across the Middle East and North Africa plan to allocate an average 9.3% of their revenues to digital transformation through 2032, according to GSMA Intelligence research presented at MWC26 Doha.
The study, based on responses from 885 enterprises across 10 MENA countries, found that expected returns on these investments average 197%, compared with 207% globally. Companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia plan to invest 10.9% and 10.7% of revenues respectively, both above the global average of 9.6%.
Regulatory requirements are affecting delivery. One in nine surveyed enterprises postponed some digital transformation investment over the past two years because of telecoms policies and regulations, while 8% cancelled projects. Overall, 27% reported a negative impact on their transformation projects.
Although 61% of MENA enterprises said telecoms frameworks support digital transformation, 28% said current rules hinder progress. Licensing and authorisation requirements were the most frequently cited barrier, followed by data protection, privacy and digital identity rules.
AI and 5G are expected to account for 32% of transformation spending through 2032. Some 69% of enterprises identified 5G as their most important connectivity network, while 44% of companies undertaking transformation said they are already using AI at an advanced level.
Source: PR Newswire
