MEA Telecoms Lead in Network Automation, Driven by Customer Demands, Omdia Report Finds

Telecom operators in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are outpacing their global counterparts in the drive towards network automation, according to a new report from Nokia and Omdia. The study, titled “Network Automation Trends and Status in Middle East & Africa,” highlights a strategic push by MEA operators to leverage automation for enhanced customer experiences, proactive fault management, and optimized resource allocation.

Report Highlights Key Regional Advantages

The Omdia survey indicates that MEA operators are currently 16% more advanced in network automation implementation than the global average. This lead is projected to widen to 21% within the next three years, signaling a determined focus on achieving fully autonomous network capabilities.

“MEA operators are recognizing that network automation is a critical component for competitive advantage,” the report states. “The emphasis on customer experience as the primary driver underscores the growing importance of network performance and reliability in retaining and attracting subscribers.”

Cloud and Core Take the Lead, Security Concerns Emerge

The report identifies converged core networks and IP/MPLS transport as the frontrunners in automation implementation within the MEA region. However, access networks are lagging behind, presenting an area for future development.

A significant finding highlights growing security concerns among MEA operators. Inconsistent security policies across legacy and modern systems are seen as a major impediment to automation progress, second only to interoperability challenges.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes the rising prominence of cloud services as a key automation priority for MEA telecoms, driven by increasing enterprise expectations for cloud-like agility and performance.

GenAI Poised to Transform Network Operations

The survey also reveals a strong belief in the transformative potential of generative AI (GenAI) within the MEA telecoms sector. A majority (56%) of respondents expressed confidence in GenAI’s ability to address complex networking challenges, signaling a willingness to explore and adopt AI-driven solutions.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite the positive outlook, MEA operators face significant hurdles in their automation journey. Interoperability challenges and a shortage of skilled personnel were identified as key obstacles that need to be addressed to fully realize the benefits of network automation.

About the Report

The Omdia report is based on a survey of 45 senior network engineering, R&D, and operations decision-makers at telecom operators throughout the MEA region. The survey was conducted in February and March 2025.

About Omdia

Omdia, part of Informa TechTarget, Inc., is a global analyst and advisory leader that helps organizations navigate the complexities of the technology landscape.