Iran ICT - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Iran ICT Market size is estimated at USD 24.65 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 29.67 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.78% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Key Highlights

• According to international reports, Iran is one of the Middle East's developing countries, with a high per capita GDP that ranks among the upper-middle countries. Research shows that the development of e-government in the country is directly tied to that country's economic status. The World Bank announced that Iran is ranked 73rd among 217 countries and autonomous regions in terms of the electronic-government index.
• One sector that has shown potential for growth in Iran is the digital economy. According to a report by the Iranian Information and Communications Technology Ministry, the country's digital economy is projected to grow at an annual rate of 35% and reach a value of USD 100 billion by 2025. This is mainly due to the high level of education among the Iranian population and the increasing use of technology in business and everyday life.
• As Iran seeks to expand its digital economy and enhance its economic ties with the Persian Gulf States and other non-US countries, there are significant investment opportunities for businesses and investors. For example, Iran's start-up ecosystem is rapidly growing, with more than 5,000 start-ups currently operating there. Many of these start-ups are focused on e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services.
• In addition, Iran's large and young population represents a significant market for businesses. More than 60% of Iran's population is under the age of 35, and this demographic is increasingly tech-savvy and interested in digital services. Iran's positive relations with the Persian Gulf States and other non-US countries provide significant opportunities for investment in Iran's digital economy.
• Iranian construction firms also attempt to utilize ICT in their projects. However, ICT adoption in the construction industry is a complicated process and depends on many factors. Based on obtained data from a survey by IAARC, the respondents believe that ICT infrastructure needs to be improved in Iran.
• In response to an increased demand for Internet access from citizens based at home, the three mobile operators, Hamrah-e Aval (MCI), MTN Irancell, and Rightel, developed special service offerings during the post-COVID scenario.

Iran ICT Market Trends

Retail and E-commerce to Hold Significant Growth

• In Iran, in 2023, the internet penetration rate reached 127.2%, which increased by 13% compared to the previous year. There has been an increase in the use of information technology in B2C markets worldwide, including in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is, in part, due to the limitations and complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In the past, Iran’s Ministry of Industry and Mining took responsibility for regulating and organizing online shops and started issuing e-Namad licenses for e-commerce websites. According to the electronic card payment system of Iran (Shaparak), in 2023, electronic purchases over the point of sales, internet, and mobile phones in Iran crossed around USD 47 billion. According to the Statistical Center of Iran, this amount was around 41% of the country’s liquidity. Therefore, in 2023, the number of online purchases in Iran increased by more than 2.5 times compared to the previous year.
• As per AfterShip, WooCommerce shows a significant lead, with total sales accounting for USD 176.09 billion, which constitutes 86.08% of the region's total sales on platforms. Custom Cart reports sales of USD 19.61 billion, accounting for 9.59% of the total platform sales in Iran.
• In March 2024, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi held a meeting focusing on big steps in the field of artificial intelligence. Iran has already invested in cyber capabilities, and the use of AI is one of the technologies many countries are now investing in. Retailers can integrate generative AI to drive down costs in three main areas: customer experience, supply chain, and back-end e-commerce.
• Iran's pent-up demand for imported goods, especially among young Iranians, has created a strong foundation to support rapid growth in the retail market. The country has a favorable demographic structure, with 60% of its population aged below 30 years. Overall, such trends are expected to increase the market’s demand during the forecast period.

Manufacturing to Hold Significant Share

• In Iran, manufacturing holds around 19.99% of the GDP. Iran's factories continue to produce trucks, cars, appliances, electronics, and a wide range of fast-moving consumer goods. Multiple parties in Iran, in the public and private sectors, have invested in capital, research, and development to construct and maintain the infrastructure that supports the digital ecosystem that makes the digital economy possible.
• Iran does have existing capabilities in areas like automotive, aviation, defense, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and space technology. The Global Innovation Index 2023 captured the innovation ecosystem performance of 132 economies. Iran was ranked 62nd in the GII 2023 index. Regarding the top three innovation economies by region, Iran was ranked second in Central and Southern Asia.
• Iran has solidified several key trade agreements and collaborations to boost its economic standing. In May 2024, Iran and Pakistan signed eight agreements, including the creation of the Rimdan-Gabd Joint Free/Special Zone to enhance bilateral trade. Additionally, Iran and Algeria inked six agreements covering sectors like oil and gas and scientific and technological cooperation.
• Iran has also established technology parks and special economic zones with incentives to draw multinational manufacturers. For example, the Iran Science and Technology Park in Tehran focuses on biotech, nanotech, and renewable energy. Such zones provide infrastructure for collaboration between local firms and international partners on R&D.
• Iran is also strengthening ties with India, focusing on energy trade, and continuing its strategic 25-year partnership with China under the Belt and Road Initiative. Furthermore, Iran's engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) aims to transition from a temporary trade agreement to a full free trade agreement, enhancing trade with Russia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan.
• Overall, with increasing trade and partnerships, the manufacturing sector is expected to increase, which is expected to lead the demand for ICT.

Iran ICT Industry Overview

The Iranian ICT market is fragmented, with numerous competitors and competing technologies that provide intense rivalry among the players. Further, acquisitions and collaborations of large companies are expected, focusing on innovation. Some of the players include SAP SE, Viamond, and Systemnegar Saina.

• November 2023: The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) said artificial intelligence (AI) will be used to manage production in oil and gas fields. According to the MoU, a strategic AI center will be set up to digitalize 15 oil and gas fields.
• January 2023: Iran announced it would expand the deployment of fifth-generation (5G) mobile internet services by rolling out 400 new sites in the country by early February 2023, according to the Iranian Telecom Minister.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

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