MWC25 Shanghai contributed $160 million to Shanghai economy

London, 11 February 2026: MWC25 Shanghai contributed an estimated $160 million to the Shanghai and regional economy in 2025, according to an economic impact report commissioned by the GSMA. Over the past three editions, MWC Shanghai has generated $408 million in economic impact and created more than 7,000 part-time jobs, reinforcing the central role of China and the Asia Pacific region in the global innovation ecosystem.

MWC25 Shanghai drew more than 45,000 attendees to Shanghai from 128 countries and territories, including nearly 4,000 C-suite executives and 35 international government delegations. 

This year, MWC26 will be the 13th edition, taking place 24-26 June, and we are celebrating this auspicious number in Chinese culture that marks a new beginning with a new transformative era for MWC Shanghai. This year’s dynamic agenda will feature new zones and content showcasing advanced technology from robotics and mobile AI, to 5G-Advanced, 6G and satellite mobile convergence.

John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Ltd., said: “Shanghai continues to be the natural host city for MWC in Asia, as a global tech innovation hub located in China, the world’s biggest mobile market. MWC25 Shanghai’s success – generating $160 billion in economic impact – reflects the strength of our partnership with Shanghai and the broader innovation ecosystem across China and Asia Pacific. We thank the Shanghai Municipal Government and our partners for their unwavering support, and we are grateful for the hospitality of the local community.” 

Sihan Bo Chen, Head of Greater China, GSMA, said: “We are proud that MWC Shanghai has established itself as a platform for Asia Pacific's technological dynamism to advance global innovation. We recently announced 24 strategic partners who bring their industry and technological leadership to help shape MWC26, with more to come. We are grateful for their collaboration and strong endorsement, with each partner bringing industry and technological leadership, helping to drive cross-industry transformation and advancement."

MWC25 Shanghai in numbers:

• $160 million in economic impact; 17% increase in economic impact compared to MWC24; more than 2,800 part-time jobs created
• 45,000 in-person attendees from 128 countries and territories and 12,500 companies, with over 40% representing industries beyond mobile
• 35% of attendees at director level and above, including nearly 4,000 from the C-suite
• Over 400 exhibitors, partners and sponsors (from mobile giants like China Mobile, China Unicom, Huawei, and Singtel to tech leaders like Lenovo and Spirent)
• Around 400 speakers and thought leaders, with nearly 40% from international markets and 37% speakers from sectors beyond mobile
• 35 government delegations from 34 countries and territories across Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, Eurasia and Africa participated in the first GSMA Policy Leaders Forum
• Nearly 300 international media outlets and industry analysts, including Bloomberg TV and CGTN broadcasting from the show floor

Report methodology

The economic impact of MWC is calculated through a comprehensive model, validated by independent experts, that accounts for direct, indirect, and induced contributions. These include visitor spending, job creation, and increased government revenue.

Join us for MWC26 Shanghai

MWC26 Shanghai will return from 24-26 June 2026. Find out more information about how you can get involved in MWC26 Shanghai as an exhibitor, sponsor or speaker and stay up to date with the latest news on the press zone. 

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About GSMA

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.

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