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Africa & Middle East Social Commerce Market Intelligence Report 2024: Rising Usage of Social Media Platforms will Drive the Trend of Social Buying

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DUBLIN, Feb. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The “Africa & Middle East Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook – 50+ KPIs on Social Commerce Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics – Q1 2024 Update” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

Social commerce industry in Africa & Middle East is expected to grow by 34.0% on annual basis to reach US$12.58 billion in 2024.

The social commerce industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 27.6% during 2024-2029. The social commerce GMV in the region will increase from US$9.39 billion in 2023 to reach US$42.54 billion by 2029.

The social commerce market is poised to record strong growth in the Middle East and Africa markets over the medium term. This surge in online commerce, including social buying among young generation shoppers, will aid the industry growth across the region in 2024. In the Middle East, young generation shoppers are also making luxury purchases through social channels.

New players have entered the Middle East market in 2023 and the trend is projected to continue further in 2024. In the African region, too, the industry is experiencing a surge in the competitive landscape. Even B2B e-commerce firms are planning to enter the social commerce market to accelerate revenue growth. Overall, the publisher maintains a positive growth outlook for the industry over the next three to four years.

The rising usage of social media platforms will drive the trend of social buying in the Middle East in 2024

A significant population chunk in the Middle East is using social channels. According to the RetailX Middle East E-Commerce Region 2023 report, nearly 98% of the population uses at least one social media platform in Qatar. The adoption of TikTok, which is making significant strides in the regional market, has also grown substantially over the last 12 months. This is also translating into higher social commerce revenue for TikTok in the GCC region. According to TikTok, 41% of the users have made purchases through the platform in GCC.

According to RetailX, 79% of social media users are looking for brands or things to purchase in the UAE. Furthermore, 59% of the people have stated that they bought products on social channels over the last 12 months. In the Emirates, consumers are even making luxury purchases through social media channels. The publisher expects similar trends to emerge in other regional markets over the medium term. To tap into the growing sector, the publisher also expects social commerce firms to increase their investment in the market over the next three to four years.

B2B e-commerce firms are expanding their footprint in the fast-growing social commerce sector in Africa

An increasing number of small businesses are leveraging social commerce capabilities to drive their sales and revenue growth in Africa. The lack of capital and capacity to open stores and grow their businesses is driving the social commerce market in Africa. Amid the growing market size, even B2B e-commerce firms are expanding their footprint in the sector.

MarketForce, for instance, announced that the firm plans to launch the social commerce platform Chpter in Kenya. This platform will enable merchants to leverage social media conversations to drive sales and revenue growth. With the rising usage of social channels among consumers across age groups, MarketForce is seeking to boost its revenue growth through Chpter in the African market. The firm, notably, ceased B2B e-commerce operations in three of its five African markets. Exiting Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania, the firm is only focusing on Kenya and Uganda.

With a lot of room for growth in the African social commerce market, Chpter can accelerate revenue growth for MarketForce over the medium term. The success in the sector might also lay the foundation for its B2B e-commerce expansion in other African markets over the next three to four years, which is currently facing funding hurdle.

Social commerce platforms have reported strong revenue growth in the United Arab Emirates

Amid the growing trend of social buying in the Emirates, platforms are enjoying a strong growth period in the country, registering significant revenue increases during the first six months of 2023.

SleekFlow, a leading software platform for social commerce in the Asia-Pacific region, reported an impressive fivefold increase in revenue in the UAE during the first half of 2023. Not only has the company done well in the Middle East, but it is projected that around 20% of the new revenue over the next two years will come from the UAE. The significant growth in the UAE is attributed to their strategic collaboration with L’Occitane ME’s Accelerator Program, which is powered by Chalhoub Group’s The Greenhouse. This partnership officially brought SleekFlow’s versatile social commerce platform to the UAE, making a significant impact on the retail scene in the region.

The growth achieved by SleekFlow in the United Arab Emirates market is a testament to the growing market. Going forward, the publisher expects more regional and global platforms to enter the market over the next three to four years.

This report provides a detailed data centric analysis of social commerce industry, covering market opportunities and risks. With over 50+ KPIs at country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of social commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.

Scope

Country reports in this bundled offering provide in-depth analysis of Social Commerce industry. Below is a summary of key market segments offered at country level:

Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2020-2029

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2020-2029

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Retail Product Categories, 2020-2029

Clothing & FootwearBeauty and Personal CareFood & GroceryAppliances and ElectronicsHome ImprovementTravelHospitality

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Consumer Segment, 2020-2029

B2BB2CC2C

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2020-2029

MobileDesktop

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2020-2029

DomesticCross Border

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2020-2029

Tier-1 CitiesTier-2 CitiesTier-3 Cities

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method, 2020-2029

Credit CardDebit CardBank TransferPrepaid CardDigital & Mobile WalletOther Digital PaymentCash

Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms

Video CommerceSocial Network-Led CommerceSocial ResellingGroup BuyingProduct Review Platforms

 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour,2023

By AgeBy Income LevelBy Gender

Companies Mentioned

FacebookYouTubeInstagramBrimoreTaager ShoppingDivar ShoppingTrumpetDigikalaBoardsEasy Social ShopGROOKiliShopCopiaJiji NigeriaSendboxreselr.comTajerFordealatonzoBabyGroup.co.zaTrendyolTurkSeyThe Luxury ClosetZbooniSellAnyCar.comFloranow

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/l3yig5

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

on

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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