Kigali, Rwanda — Delegates from around the world have converged in Kigali for Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali 2025, Africa’s largest and most influential connectivity event. The conference brings together policymakers, innovators, and technology leaders to explore how AI, 5G, fintech, and digital infrastructure can drive the continent’s connected future.

Opening the summit, President Paul Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to harnessing technology for transformation.

“Rwanda believes deeply in the power of technology to connect people and foster real transformation,” he said. “In just a few years, Africa has gone from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy. The future we must build is an Africa that is bold, connected, and competitive.”

President Kagame also underscored the continent’s leadership in digital innovation, citing mobile money as a defining example.

“Mobile money began as a solution for those excluded from formal banking and has grown into a global model of financial inclusion,” he noted. “This proves that innovation does not belong to one part of the world — it can emerge anywhere, from anyone, given the chance.”

On the sidelines of MWC Kigali 2025, President Kagame met with leaders from Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, and Orange, members of the G6 alliance, a coalition of Africa’s leading mobile network operators working with the GSMA to accelerate digital transformation across the continent. Discussions focused on policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and environmental sustainability to bridge Africa’s digital divide.

He also held talks with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to strengthen collaboration on connectivity, innovation, and investment in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, highlighted the country’s rapid digital transformation.

“In 2023, Rwanda had half a million 4G users. Through broadband policies, strategic planning, and strong public-private partnerships, this number has grown tenfold to five million in 2025,” she said.

GSMA Director-General Vivek Badrinath emphasized the need for inclusive artificial intelligence and localized solutions.

“AI cannot and should not be a luxury for the few. It must be accessible to all. We must ensure Africa is not just a user of AI, but a developer of solutions that can scale and drive progress,” he said.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin echoed that digital growth must be matched with human capacity and investment.

“The largest part of investment must go into infrastructure alongside substantial funding for capacity development,” she said. “Digital skills are key to ensuring young advocates — 60% of Africa’s population — can thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.”

As MWC Kigali 2025 continues, the conversations on digital inclusion, innovation, and investment are setting the tone for Africa’s next era of technological leadership, one that aims to connect every community, empower every citizen, and redefine the continent’s place in the digital economy.