IT spending in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is set to reach US $230.7 billion in 2025, marking a 7.4% increase from the previous year. This rise in spending reflects a concerted effort by both governments and private sector enterprises to transform MENA into a global AI innovation hub. With substantial investments in cybersecurity, cloud platforms, and data center technologies, the region is creating the infrastructure necessary to support rapid advancements in AI and business operations.
A key driver of this growth is the increased focus on generative AI (GenAI). Software spending in MENA is expected to rise by 13.7% in 2025, with CIOs (Chief Information Officers) allocating more funds towards GenAI-enabled applications. These technologies are being used to transform the digital workplace, improve customer service, and drive product innovation. MENA CIOs are shifting from pilot projects to more targeted and strategic GenAI investments, applying lessons learned to ensure that innovation is accelerated safely and securely.