Eurasia’s Mobile Economy to Hit $300 Bn as Tech Leaders Convene in Uzbekistan
Policymakers, technology innovators and industry heavyweights have gathered in Samarkand for the opening of M360 Eurasia 2026. The major technology summit focuses on accelerating the region’s connected future and exploring the strategies needed to unleash its full digital potential.
Coinciding with the event’s launch, the newly published Mobile Economy Eurasia 2026 report revealed that the regional mobile ecosystem generated a staggering $270 bn in economic value in 2025. This equates to 8.1% of the total GDP and puts the sector on track to exceed $300 bn by the end of the decade.
During the opening keynote address, GSMA Chief Regulatory Officer John Giusti outlined the pivotal choices that will shape the digital landscape across Eurasia. He highlighted the critical importance of mobile connectivity, 5G rollouts, AI-ready public services and robust digital infrastructure. Emphasising the need for a collaborative approach, Giusti called for long-term investments and balanced regulatory frameworks between governments and the private sector.
«The mobile industry is a powerful driver of growth across Eurasia,» Giusti stated.
He added that hosting the summit in Samarkand was particularly appropriate, noting that Uzbekistan’s rapid digital advancement perfectly illustrates how connectivity can modernise public services, boost overall productivity and elevate living standards.
Key findings from the mobile economy report
The latest GSMA report outlines the massive scale of the industry’s economic contribution alongside the primary priorities for the next phase of digital growth. Key takeaways include:
- Mobile technologies are forecast to account for 8.4% of the region’s GDP by 2030.
- The sector currently supports approximately 750,000 jobs across Eurasia.
- By 2030, almost 30% of all mobile connections in the region will utilise 5G technology.
- Uzbekistan is expected to heavily outpace the regional average, with 5G anticipated to account for over 40% of its national connections by 2030.
- Despite expanding internet coverage, a significant usage gap of 29% remains due to barriers such as affordability, digital literacy and public trust.
Fostering regional innovation
Beyond policy and infrastructure discussions, M360 Eurasia is actively spotlighting emerging talent through Pitch Day: Uzbekistan. This joint initiative, backed by IT Park Uzbekistan, IT Ventures, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the GSMA, allows promising tech startups to showcase their innovations directly to global investors. The winning team will secure $10,000 and a dedicated exhibition space at MWC27 in Barcelona.
Additionally, the summit is hosting the semi-final of the Green and Digital Solutions regional hackathon. Scheduled for May 21, the competition brings together young innovators from across Central Asia to tackle the pressing intersection of digital progress and sustainable development in a climate-vulnerable region.
Taking place at the Hilton Samarkand Regency, the event marks the second consecutive year of a strategic partnership involving the GSMA, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies, Beeline Uzbekistan and the VEON Group.
