Digital Landscape in Middle East and Africa

Key Findings

Middle East and Africa trails other regions in digital connectivity

Middle East and Africa’s digital landscape is characterized by disparities across the Middle East and mainland Africa. The digital infrastructure is more advanced in high-income countries such as UAE and Israel on the back of network investments and expansion in fibre optics. Africa’s digital infrastructure remains weak though mobile connectivity has improved in more recent years. This has held back the region as a whole.

Fixed broadband lags, mobile key driver of digital development

Fixed-broadband line networks are weak in Africa. Mobile services have improved digital connectivity across the region and operators have been investing in 4G LTE to meet data demand from urban consumers. 5G trials are being conducted in certain Middle Eastern nations.

UAE, Israel and Morocco are the key growth markets

UAE will witness the biggest improvements in the Digital Connectivity Index ranking over the forecast period. The country is strong in both fixed broadband and high speed mobile internet with growing digital commerce uptake. Israel is technologically advanced and has a vibrant start-up ecosystem. Morocco aims to become Africa’s digital hub and is implementing a National Broadband Plan.

Digital commerce will provide growth opportunities

The region’s young mobile-savvy population, improving digital infrastructure and proliferation of ecommerce platforms will drive online retail transactions. However, high cash usage and inadequate logistics infrastructure pose challenges to digital commerce.

Online security and threats of cyber attacks are major concerns

Online data security is a concern among consumers and this affects digital transactions. Moreover, threats of cyber attacks poses challenges in a region that is highly politically sensitive. Governments are therefore looking to strengthen cyber security.