LIVE FROM MWC25 DOHA: Vivek Badrinath, director general at the GSMA, described Qatar and fellow GCC states as a “lighthouse” for the wider MENA region, as he called for a focus on infrastructure, innovation and inclusion to ensure the mobile sector meets its full potential.

Speaking in the opening keynote, Badrinath pointed out that in just a few short years, these countries had showed what is possible when “clear vision, long-term strategy and strong partnerships come together”.

He explained digital transformation in MENA is reshaping almost every sector, from energy and transport to finance and healthcare, while highlighting the crucial role mobile connectivity has played in this advancement.

Backing up his comments, Badrinath pointed to the GSMA’s latest enterprise report, with 66 per cent of companies surveyed putting 5G networks at the top of the list in regard to the importance of connectivity in digital transformation.

In total, Badrinath said enterprises in MENA will spend 10 per cent of total revenue on digital transformation, presenting a significant opportunity for partnership and growth.

The three i’s
To achieve lofty digital transformation ambitions, Badrinath believes infrastructure, innovation and inclusion will be key.

Starting with infrastructure, he noted the GCC states have been one of the leaders in the rollout of 5G, growing from 0 connections in 2018 to 47 million in 2025. The growth of 5G has led to several benefits, including operator Ooredoo powering the first 5G-enabled Fifa World Cup in 2022 and Zain launching Kuwait’s first 5G-Advanced network.

However, other parts of the region remain in the earlier stages of 5G rollout, with Badrinath pointing to slower progress in Morocco, Turkiye, Tunisia and Egypt.

“Its important we don’t lose our focus – we must complete the 5G journey across the region, so that everyone benefits from the opportunities of digital transformation.”  

With regards to innovation, Badrinath acknowledged challenges around AI in particular, stating the GSMA’s research showed general AI models are not fit for telco-specific needs. “They struggle with accuracy and reliability,” he said.

This however presents an opportunity, with GSMA today announcing a collaboration with Khalifa University to develop Telecom GPT, a telco-first LLM as well as an Open Telco Knowledge Graph focused on 3GPP documentation. The industry association further announced its support for the AI Troubleshooting Challenge, in which it calls on operators, AI researchers and startups to submit advanced LLMs that analysis on network faults.

Last but not least, on inclusion Badrinath noted while 71 per cent of people within GCC states use mobile internet, across the MENA region as a whole 51 per cent of the population do not, despite it being available.

“Closing the digital divide won’t be easy, but it’s vital we get this right, especially as AI accelerates.”