Africa’s largest and most influential connectivity event, MWC25 Kigali, is returning to Rwanda from 21 to 23 October 2025 with a powerful agenda that promises to shape the continent’s digital future. Hosted by the GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda, this year’s edition is not only about showcasing technology but about creating a platform where leaders from government, industry and innovation can collaborate on the next phase of Africa’s digital journey. The event is designed to highlight opportunity, foster investment and spark dialogue that will have long-lasting impact on the region’s digital economy.
One of the most significant additions this year is the launch of the GSMA Ministerial Programme, a flagship initiative that has been a central feature of MWC Barcelona. By bringing this programme to Africa, MWC Kigali will create a rare opportunity for policymakers, business leaders and innovators to come together and align on policies that can accelerate digital transformation. This is more than a discussion, it is about creating the framework for Africa to take charge of its own digital future and ensure that new technologies benefit everyone.
The speaker lineup reflects the scale of the event and the ambition behind it. Attendees will hear from major industry leaders including Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel; Hassan Jaber, CEO of AXIAN Telecom; Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethiotel; Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN; Yasser Shaker, Orange’s Executive Vice President and CEO for Middle East and Africa; and Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon. Paula Ingabire. More speaker confirmations are expected, making Kigali a hub for global thought leadership on connectivity and innovation this October.
Beyond the keynote sessions, the event will feature a dynamic show floor with top exhibitors and sponsors including AXIAN Telecom, Ethiotel, Huawei, Meta, MTN, Orange, TerraPay, Telcoin and ZTE. This mix of global technology giants and regional players demonstrates the diverse energy driving Africa’s digital economy. Attendees will have the chance to explore products, solutions and partnerships that can redefine business opportunities across the continent.
The timing of MWC25 Kigali could not be more important. Mobile connectivity is at the heart of Africa’s socioeconomic transformation and while 4G and 5G networks are expanding, the potential remains vast. Millions of people are still not fully connected, meaning there is untapped opportunity to bring digital services to new communities. Governments and businesses are also looking at how new technologies like AI and the Internet of Things can improve service delivery, create jobs and fuel economic growth. Operators are identifying new ways to generate value through APIs and other emerging tools, creating fresh opportunities for monetisation.
The event’s theme this year, “Converge. Connect. Create.,” sets the tone for the discussions and activities that will take place. It reflects the need to bring people, technology and ideas together in ways that can build stronger industries and societies. The thought leadership themes within this overarching vision show the many ways digital transformation is touching lives in Africa.
The Connected Continent theme will highlight how mobile penetration and affordable smartphones are bringing millions of Africans online. This is not just about access to communication but about empowering people to participate in the global economy, access essential services and connect with opportunities like never before. The rollout of 5G will build on this momentum, opening the door to new industries and services across the continent.
Artificial Intelligence will also be at the center of the conversation. With estimates suggesting that AI could double Africa’s GDP growth rate by 2035, the technology is being embraced as a catalyst for innovation. Already, tech-savvy entrepreneurs are applying AI, automation and data analytics to address local challenges, from healthcare to agriculture. The challenge and opportunity now lie in ensuring ethical adoption and building human capital so that AI can deliver inclusive growth.
Fintech remains another critical driver of Africa’s digital economy. Powered by mobile technology, fintech solutions have transformed access to finance, allowing millions of people to transact securely, save and access credit for the first time. Emerging technologies like blockchain and APIs are further reshaping financial systems, making them more transparent, efficient and resilient. This transformation is not only driving economic diversification but also empowering communities that have long been excluded from formal finance.
Africa’s digital frontier is equally exciting. From music and entertainment to healthcare, education and even the regulation of AI, new industries are growing rapidly. The creativity and innovation of Africa’s young population are fueling this progress, creating opportunities for businesses while strengthening Africa’s cultural and technological influence on the global stage.
MWC25 Kigali is therefore more than a technology showcase, it is a meeting point for the ideas, policies and investments that will determine the future of Africa’s digital transformation. By bringing together leaders from across sectors and across borders, it will create the conditions for collaboration and sustainable growth. For businesses, it is a chance to find new opportunities, gain insights and build partnerships. For governments, it is an opportunity to align policy with innovation. For Africa’s people, it is a step toward a more inclusive and connected future.
As Kigali prepares to welcome delegates from across the world, the message is clear: Africa is not just adopting digital transformation, it is shaping it. With the right collaboration, investment and vision, MWC25 Kigali has the potential to unlock unprecedented growth and position Africa as a leader in the global digital economy.
