Middle East & Africa eSIM Market Size and Forecast (2021 - 2031) Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Component (Hardware and Software & Services) and Type (Consumer eSIMs, IoT eSIMs, and Travel eSIMs)

The eSIM market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating that it will reach approximately US$ 828.28 million by 2031, up from US$ 320.97 million in 2024. This growth trajectory reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% from 2025 to 2031, driven by various factors including increased tourism, enhanced digital infrastructure, and a rising demand for seamless mobile connectivity.

In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is a strong push towards integrating digital innovation into tourism and telecommunications. For instance, a report from Almosafer, a travel brand under the Seera Group, highlighted a 14% increase in regional travel demand in the first quarter of 2025, alongside an 11% year-on-year growth in international bookings. This trend underscores a growing preference for mobile-first and flexible travel services, which is conducive to the adoption of eSIM technology.

eSIM providers, such as Airalo, are responding to this demand by offering instant activation, borderless connectivity, and flexible data plans. This eliminates the inconvenience of physical SIM swaps and roaming charges, aligning with the region's emphasis on digital convenience and travel efficiency. Additionally, a strategic partnership announced in October 2024 between Ericsson and du, a prominent telecom and digital services provider in the UAE, aims to expand du's 5G network using Ericsson's Radio Access Network (RAN) portfolio. This initiative is expected to enhance network capacity and deliver high-quality connectivity, thereby laying a robust foundation for broader eSIM implementation.

In Africa, the tourism sector is also acting as a catalyst for digital innovation, with initiatives like the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) promoting advancements in infrastructure and technology, including mobile connectivity solutions such as eSIMs. The ongoing investment in 5G networks, coupled with a rise in international travel and increasing digital adoption, positions the MEA region favorably for accelerated growth in the eSIM market. eSIMs are becoming essential for mobile connectivity within the evolving travel and telecom landscape.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The Middle East and Africa eSIM market can be segmented based on components and types. In terms of components, the market is divided into hardware and software & services, with the hardware segment holding a larger market share in 2024. By type, the market is categorized into consumer eSIMs, IoT eSIMs, and travel eSIMs, with consumer eSIMs dominating the market in 2024. The consumer eSIM segment is further divided into sub-segments including smartphones, connected cars, wearables, laptops and tablets, among others.

Market Outlook

The global integration of eSIM technology in smartphones is on the rise, as leading manufacturers embed eSIM functionality in their latest models. This shift away from traditional SIM cards offers enhanced flexibility, security, and a seamless user experience. According to Telna, Inc., it is projected that approximately 98% of all smartphone connections in North America will utilize eSIM technology by 2030. Google has been a pioneer in this space, launching the first eSIM-enabled smartphone, the Google Pixel 2, in 2017, and has since expanded eSIM support across its Pixel series, indicating a strategic focus on an eSIM-only future.

eSIM technology allows users to switch telecom carriers without needing physical SIM cards, enabling instant activation, remote provisioning, and support for multiple network profiles on a single device. This flexibility is particularly valuable in a mobile and digital-first consumer environment, and eSIMs also support dual-SIM capabilities.

As of 2023, there were approximately 134 eSIM-compatible smartphones available, with major brands like Samsung, Apple, and Google leading the market. The proliferation of eSIM-compatible smartphones creates a strong foundation for eSIM integration, further propelling market growth.

Country Insights

The MEA eSIM market is also analyzed by country, with key players including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and other regions within the MEA. The UAE held the largest market share in 2024, driven by rapid advancements in digital infrastructure. For example, in April 2024, Virgin Mobile UAE became the first operator to fully integrate UAE PASS into its app-based eSIM onboarding process, allowing users to activate their eSIMs digitally without needing physical SIM cards or store visits. This innovation not only enhances user convenience but also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing reliance on physical materials.

Company Profiles

Key players in the MEA eSIM market include KORE Wireless, Giesecke Devrient GmbH, IDEMIA France SAS, Infineon Technologies AG, NXP Semiconductors NV, STMicroelectronics NV, Telefonica SA, Thales SA, Vodafone Group Plc, and Deutsche Telekom AG. These companies are employing various strategies such as expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance their market presence and offer innovative solutions to consumers. Show more