The
GSMA’s flagship African connectivity event, MWC25 Kigali, is set to return to
the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda from 21–23 October 2025. The highly
anticipated event will bring together global and regional leaders in
technology, policy, and business to explore how digital innovation is driving
sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Now
established as Africa’s premier platform for digital collaboration, MWC Kigali
will feature high-level speakers from the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU), the Government of Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, and senior
executives from leading operators and technology companies including Airtel
Africa, Amini, Axian Telecom Group, Ethio Telecom, Huawei, MTN Group, Orange,
and ZTE.
This
year’s founding and headline sponsors include Huawei, MTN, and ZTE, with Airtel
and Orange as industry sponsors. Event partners include Rwanda’s Ministry of
ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and Smart Africa. The exhibition floor will
showcase major players such as Detecon, Ericsson, Ethiotel, Fraudbuster, Ookla,
Netscout, PXS, SES, Telcoin, and Terrapay. The Orange Social Ventures Prize
will also return, honouring social innovators from across Africa and the Middle
East.
Angela
Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA, noted that the event continues to evolve as a
driving force for digital transformation. She said MWC Kigali has become a
platform not just for measuring connectivity progress but for shaping
actionable solutions that advance Africa’s digital and economic growth.
This
year introduces several new features, including the GSMA Ministerial Programme,
which joins the Kigali agenda for the first time. The programme will convene
policymakers and business leaders to address emerging issues such as AI
governance, digital economy development, and the role of ICT in achieving the
UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Additionally,
the “Future of Education & Work in Africa” (FEWA) Summit will debut as a
co-located one-day event dedicated to exploring AI-driven solutions for
transforming education and workforce development. MWC25 will also host its
first-ever Security Summit, alongside expanded sessions on fintech innovation
and 5G deployment.
The
three-day programme is structured around four themes defining Africa’s digital
landscape: a Connected Continent, The AI Future, Fintech, and Africa’s Digital
Frontier. Each theme will unpack the technologies, partnerships, and policies
shaping Africa’s next phase of digital transformation.
MWC25
Kigali promises to be a landmark gathering of innovators and decision-makers
working to ensure that Africa’s connectivity revolution continues to power
inclusive growth and sustainable progress for years to come.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
