MWC2025: Future of a Connected Africa

The future we must build is that of a connected and competitive Africa, declared President Paul Kagame as he launched the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Kigali.

In front of more than 4,000 participants from around the world, Rwandan Head of State Paul Kagame presented an Africa where technological progress is unprecedented.

“In just a few years, Africa has gone from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy,” said Paul Kagame.

Smartphones have become a necessity in everyday life, transforming the commerce, finance, and education sectors. Financial and business transactions are now conducted on mobile phones.

This is the case in Rwanda where in just two or three years 4G users have gone from 500,000 to 5 million people.

This mobile telephony congress is being held for the third time in Rwanda.

According to President Kagame, technology is pushing people to go even further.

“Artificial intelligence, next-generation networks and smart devices are transforming every field and opening up endless possibilities,” Paul Kagame said.

However, these technological advances do not benefit many Africans compared to the global average.

“If this gap persists, technology will only exacerbate inequalities,” predicted Paul Kagame.

Speaking about artificial intelligence, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath said that artificial intelligence should not be a luxury reserved for a few. “It must be accessible to all,” he said.

This mobile conference is being held for the third time in Rwanda. The theme for this year’s 2025 edition is “Converge, Create, Connect.”

Participants are expected to discuss this theme for three days, from October 21 to 23, 2025.