MWC25 : Africa at the heart of digital innovation debates

The Mobile World Congress, the African iteration of the global telecommunications exhibition, will bring together governments, telecom operators, technology companies, startups, and international institutions for three days. The goal is clear: to collectively explore how digital technology can become a driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent. “MWC Kigali will be an opportunity to bring together African and international leaders to jointly define how technology can support growth and inclusion in Africa,” said Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA.

MWC Kigali will be an opportunity to bring together African and international leaders to jointly define how technology can support growth and inclusion in Africa

Rwanda’s selection as host confirms the country’s strategy to assert itself as a regional digital hub. Kigali has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure and relies on strong political will to attract investors and international players. Yet, challenges remain significant. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a substantial portion of the African population is still excluded from digital access, hindered by costs and uneven coverage.

Already used by more than 400 million people on the continent

According to the GSMA Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2023 report, mobile technologies and services contributed 8.1% of sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP in 2022, approximately USD 170 billion, and this contribution could reach USD 205 billion by 2030. Smartphone penetration is expected to rise from 49% in 2022 to 61% by 2030, paving the way for the growth of e-commerce, e-health, and mobile financial services—already used by more than 400 million people on the continent.

In this context, the combined use of 4G and 5G networks, as well as technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), is set to expand to improve productivity and service delivery. The diversity and prominence of announced speakers thus reflect MWC25’s ambition to establish itself as an essential platform for dialogue between African and global digital stakeholders.

Africa must bridge the digital divide and leverage new technologies to meet essential needs in education, health, and financial inclusion

Attendees will notably include Kate Kallot (Founder and CEO of Amini), Hussam Baday (Managing Director of Airtel Networks Zambia), Erwan Gelebart (CEO Open Innovation & FinTech at Axian Group), and Doreen Bogdan-Martin (Secretary General of the ITU). Leading global groups will also participate, including Huawei, ZTE, Orange, MTN, and Ethiotel. Exhibitors such as Qualcomm, China Mobile International, Meta, Telcoin, and African startups will showcase their solutions across sectors including fintech, e-health, and agritech.

“Africa must bridge the digital divide and leverage new technologies to meet essential needs in education, health, and financial inclusion,” emphasized Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

We want MWC Kigali to be the place where policymakers and private actors jointly define Africa’s digital future

Through this event, the GSMA aims to give Africa a stronger voice in global digital innovation debates. “We want MWC Kigali to be the place where policymakers and private actors jointly define Africa’s digital future,” said Lara Dewar, Marketing Director of the organization.

For more information : https://www.mwckigali.com/