Kigali to host annual Africa mobile connectivity Congress

October 16, 2025 in Communications, Financial Services, Technology & Telecoms by Editor

Scheduled to take place between October 21 and 23 at the Kigali International Convention Centre, the Mobile World Congress for Africa (MWC) is a major annual connectivity event organized by the GSMA that brings together leaders from government, industry, and tech to discuss and advance digital transformation across the continent.

Discussions on increased mobile connectivity across sub-Saharan Africa, and developing innovations to quicken the pace, will take centre stage during the forthcoming  MWC Kigali 2025, hosted by the Rwanda Ministry of ICT and Innovation in partnership with GSMA, the global mobile industry lobby.

Scheduled to take place between October 21 and 23 at the Kigali Convention Centre, the Mobile World Congress for Africa (MWC) is a major annual connectivity event organized by the GSMA that brings together leaders from government, industry, and tech to discuss and advance digital transformation across the continent.

Angela Wamola, Head of Africa, GSMA said, “This year’s event switches gears beyond counting connections and coverage to delivering the connectivity, skills, and innovation which confronts the challenges still ahead, and accelerates Africa’s growth for decades to come. Let’s join leaders from across the ecosystem in Kigali next week in pressing forward through action.”

President Paul Kigali will officially open the three-day event which includes several fringe discussions and exhibitions. senior executives from major operators and technology players, including Airtel Africa, Amini, Axian Telecom Group, Ethio Telecom, Huawei, MTN Group, Orange, and ZTE will be in attendance.

Mobile connectivity is a key driver of digital transformation and socioeconomic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Governments and businesses are also increasingly using 4G and 5G networks alongside technologies such as AI and IoT to enhance productivity and service delivery. However, despite growing demand for mobile services, a significant usage gap persists, indicating substantial untapped market potential.

According to 2024 GSMA report, the adoption of 4G continues to rise in the region and is forecast to account for 50% of total connections by 2030. 5G adoption is accelerating and forecast to contribute $10 billion to the region’s economy by 2030, accounting for 6% of mobile’s total economic impact. Meanwhile, the mobile ecosystem supported 1.5 million jobs directly and more than 2.2 million jobs in other sectors in 2023.

The conference programme is structured around four key themes shaping Africa’s technology ecosystem over the next 12 months and beyond;

• Connected Continent: Exploring how expanded connectivity, affordable smart phones, and the rollout of 5G are enabling millions across Africa to access services and participate in the global digital economy.
• The AI Future: Examining AI’s potential to double Africa’s GDP growth by 2035 and drive innovation, while emphasizing skills, collaboration, and ethical practices.
• Fintech: Showcasing how mobile-powered fintech solutions are transforming financial systems, enhancing inclusion, and fostering economic resilience.
• Africa’s Digital Frontier: Highlighting the continent’s fast-growing digital sectors, from entertainment to healthcare, and the innovations defining Africa’s next chapter of transformation.

Founding and Headline Sponsors of MWC Kigali include Huawei, MTN, and ZTE, with Airtel and Orange as Industry Sponsors, alongside Event Partners the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and Smart Africa