Middle East & Africa GNSS Chip Market Size and Forecast (2021 - 2031), Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Device (Smartphones, Tablets, Personal Navigation Devices, In-Vehicle Systems, and Other Devices), Applicatio

The GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) chip market in the Middle East and Africa is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 438.46 million by 2031, up from US$ 294.95 million in 2024. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2024 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa GNSS chip market is divided into several key regions, including South Africa, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Rest of Middle East and Africa. The increasing demand for smartphones across these regions is a primary driver for the growth of GNSS chips. According to data from GO-Globe as of October 2023, smartphone penetration rates are notably high in Qatar (75%), the UAE (73%), Saudi Arabia (60%), Jordan (50%), Egypt (26%), and Morocco (16%). This rising smartphone adoption, coupled with the growing consumer interest in location-based services such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, and various GPS navigation applications, is significantly boosting the demand for GNSS chips, which are essential for accurate positioning.

Moreover, the surge in spending on information and communications technology (ICT) across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META) is further propelling the demand for GNSS chips within the ICT sector. Technological advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are also expected to contribute to this growth. Developments in cloud computing, navigation, data capture, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in UAVs have enhanced their capabilities, allowing for improved data transmission and analysis without human intervention. The incorporation of GNSS chips enables these unmanned vehicles to achieve precise real-time positioning, thus driving demand in this sector.

Strategic Insights

Market Segmentation Analysis

The Middle East and Africa GNSS chip market can be segmented based on device type, application, and vertical.

Device Segmentation: The market is categorized into smartphones, tablets, personal navigation devices, in-vehicle systems, and others. In 2024, smartphones are expected to dominate this segment, holding the largest market share.
Application Segmentation: The applications of GNSS chips include navigation and location-based services, mapping and surveying, telematics, timing and synchronization, among others. The navigation and location-based services segment is anticipated to hold the largest share in 2024, driven by the increasing use of GPS technology in various consumer applications.
Vertical Segmentation: The market is also segmented by verticals such as consumer electronics, automotive and transportation, military and defense, marine, and others. The consumer electronics segment is projected to hold the largest share in 2024, reflecting the widespread integration of GNSS technology in everyday devices.

Market Outlook

Consumer electronic devices, including smartphones, smart wearables, digital cameras, and tablets, increasingly rely on GNSS technology for applications such as mapping, geo-marketing, and navigation. The integration of GNSS chips into these devices allows for precise location tracking, which has fueled the adoption of various location-based services (LBS). Several companies are actively developing GNSS-enabled wearable devices. For instance, in June 2022, Quectel Wireless Solutions launched its LC76G module, a compact, ultra-low power GNSS module designed for fast and accurate location performance. Similarly, in August 2020, Sony Corporation introduced high-precision GNSS receiver large-scale integrations (LSIs) aimed at IoT and wearable devices. In January 2025, u-blox is set to release the UBX-M10150-CC, a GNSS chip tailored for wearables, emphasizing advancements in size, power efficiency, and performance suitable for battery-powered devices.

Country Insights

The GNSS chip market in the Middle East and Africa is further analyzed by country, focusing on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and the Rest of Middle East and Africa. Saudi Arabia is expected to hold the largest market share in 2024. The demand for GNSS chips in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow significantly, driven by the country's Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes technological advancements and infrastructure development. This initiative is likely to increase the demand for GNSS chips in smart cities, precision agriculture, and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) across logistics, transportation, and manufacturing sectors is expected to enhance the demand for GNSS chips for applications such as asset tracking and fleet management.

Company Profiles

Key players in the Middle East and Africa GNSS chip market include Qualcomm Inc, Broadcom Inc, Septentrio NV, Trimble Inc, Furuno Electric Co Ltd, MediaTek Inc, STMicroelectronics NV, Skyworks Solutions Inc, u-blox Holding AG, and Quectel Wireless Solutions Co Ltd. These companies are employing various strategies, including expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, to enhance their product offerings and increase their market share. Show more