Business Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in the Middle East Mobile Market

By: Hina Naz, Technology Blogger
Source: Originally posted on Naz Hina Blogspot , “In the Lineage of TechInfo”, which focuses on technology: “The ideas behind “In the Lineage of TechInfo” is to present contemporary information about Communication and Technology at single platform. Our objective is to deliver quality knowledge and to ensure Authentic, Reliable and Timely information with an intention to extend knowledge networks.”

Business opportunities are coming up for women entrepreneurs in Middle east and African mobile market to ensure new synergies.

According to the recent report of Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, regional carrier STC and market research firm TNS, the role of women in Middle east and African mobile market is increasing which demonstrate the sign of bringing more jobs especially in retail chains which accumulates higher revenue potential through improved sales, stronger brand imaging and access to untapped markets. The report based on telecom participation of 11 countries ( Bahrain, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Qatar, South Africa, Tanzania, Philippines and Uganda) which comprise on multiple mobile network operators, vendors, distributors, subcontractors and other stakeholders. the report urges mobile network operators and distributors to build a business case by collecting data on the performance of their retail agents from a gender perspective. Governments and NGOs are encouraged to work together to create targeted initiatives to drive female participation in the mobile value chain.

The report findings reveals that the mobile retail sales presenting a flexible and easy going opportunities for women entrepreneurs. According to statistics, In India, Indonesia and the Middle East, it was unfold that the majority of individual’s in the mobile value chain were male, while in Africa and the Philippines most mobile vendors were found to be women, although the majority of people are working at small scale. Mr. Cherie Blair, commenting on the findings of the study and said, “Women entrepreneurs stand to gain a great deal from selling mobile products. Setting up a mobile sales business is relatively easy and has a flexibility that suits the way many women live their lives. But there is also a real business case for mobile operators to include women in mobile value chains, as they offer significant advantages such as better branding and access to new markets.”

In this regard, the researchers cite Vodafone Qatar’s ‘Al-Johara’ scheme is an example of the benefits of such collaboration. In the context of Qatar, where cultural considerations may limit the participatory options of women in the nation’s mobile value chain, ‘Al-Johara’ provides women with training, leading to increased skills for the women and increased sales for Vodafone Qatar.

On the basis of this report, the scope of women within Middle eastern and African territories is penetrating to ensure new targets and market synergies also endorsing the capabilities of women entrepreneurs in business environment.


Note: Hina Naz is a respected Technology/Telecom consultant, Communication specialist,Technical writer and Information trainer having diverse experience with telecom vendor and education. By qualification, completed her Masters in Computer systems and extremely focused to ensure results according to timelines and persuaded to strategically and cost effectively utilize technology in alignment with corporate goals. Her proven areas are technology strategic planning, integration and deployment, technical communication, program/Project management, implementing best practice methodologies and continuous improvement programs. Follow her on Twitter @NazHina or Email Hina at: hina-naz@lycos.com


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Filed under Analysis, PIDE (Policy, International Development & Economics), Technology

3 Responses to Business Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in the Middle East Mobile Market

  1. Pingback: Business Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in the Middle East … | Telecom Regulation

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