
APAC Mobile Industry Adds $950 Bn to GDP, to Reach $1.4 Tn by 2030
The mobile industry in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region has made a significant contribution to the region’s economy, adding a whopping $950 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024. According to the Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 report published by the GSMA, this is equivalent to 5.6% of the regional GDP. The report, unveiled at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit in Singapore, also forecasts that this contribution will rise to $1.4 trillion by 2030.
The report highlights the significant impact that mobile technologies and services have had on the APAC economy, providing a boost to the region’s economic growth and development. The mobile industry has been a key driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, and its contribution to the regional GDP is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
The APAC region is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing mobile markets, with countries such as China, India, and Indonesia leading the way. The region’s mobile industry is characterized by a high level of competition, with multiple operators and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) vying for market share. This competition has driven innovation and investment in mobile technologies and services, resulting in a wide range of offerings that cater to the diverse needs of consumers and businesses.
One of the key factors driving the growth of the APAC mobile industry is the increasing adoption of mobile broadband services. According to the report, the number of mobile broadband subscriptions in the APAC region is expected to reach 3.4 billion by 2025, with the majority of these subscriptions being in China and India. The report also notes that mobile broadband penetration is expected to reach 53% of the regional population by 2025, up from 34% in 2020.
The APAC mobile industry is also driving growth through the development of mobile-related industries such as e-commerce, fintech, and digital media. The report notes that mobile-based e-commerce transactions in the APAC region are expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2025, with mobile payments and mobile wallets being key drivers of this growth.
In addition to its contribution to the regional GDP, the APAC mobile industry is also playing a key role in driving digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide. The report notes that mobile technology has enabled many people in the region to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial services, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to fixed-line infrastructure is limited.
The APAC mobile industry is also driving innovation and entrepreneurship, with many start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) being established to take advantage of the growing demand for mobile-related services and technologies. The report notes that mobile technologies and services are enabling these businesses to reach new customers, increase their competitiveness, and drive economic growth.
In conclusion, the APAC mobile industry has made a significant contribution to the region’s economy, adding $950 billion to the GDP in 2024. The report forecasts that this contribution will rise to $1.4 trillion by 2030, driven by the growing adoption of mobile broadband services, the development of mobile-related industries, and the increasing use of mobile technology to drive digital inclusion and entrepreneurship.
The APAC mobile industry is a key driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, and its contribution to the regional GDP is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. As the region continues to urbanize and digitalize, the mobile industry is well-positioned to play a key role in driving economic growth and development, and to continue to make a significant contribution to the region’s economy.
Source:
https://digitalterminal.in/telecom/apac-mobile-sector-adds-950b-to-gdp-set-to-hit-14t-by-2030-gsma