#Africa #GSMA #Rwanda #Kigali #MWC Kigali

MWC25 Kigali Opens: A Gateway to Africa's Digital Future

The bustling city of Kigali, Rwanda, has become the stage for the much-anticipated MWC25 event, where industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond converge to discuss the future of mobile technology and its potential to spur inclusive growth across the continent. As Africa stands on the verge of a digital revolution, this event marks a significant step toward harnessing the power of technology to unlock unprecedented opportunities.

Embracing Digital Transformation

In his opening remarks, Vivek Badrinath, the Director General of the GSMA, addressed the immense potential that lies within Africa's mobile sector. With a collective goal to tackle pressing issues, he emphasized the need for policy reforms that focus on three urgent priorities: making mobile devices more affordable, developing inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and ensuring energy resilience. These elements are considered crucial for the next phase of Africa's digital transformation.

Badrinath stated, "Africa’s mobile sector is one of the most dynamic in the world, but we must tackle persistent barriers such as high device costs, energy availability issues, and the lack of inclusive AI. By working together, governments, industry, and development partners can make digital inclusion affordable, sustainable, and meaningful for every African." This collaborative spirit underscores the event’s theme of unity in addressing the digital divide that plagues many parts of the continent.

The opening session was graced by His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, marking the third consecutive year he has inaugurated the MWC Kigali. His participation underscores Rwanda's commitment to being a leader in technology and innovation, showcasing the nation as a model for digital advancement within Africa.

Key Insights from the GSMA Report

Central to the discussions at MWC25 is the release of the GSMA Mobile Economy Africa 2025 Report, which reveals critical insights into how mobile connectivity is driving economic growth and fostering innovation. As per the report, the mobile sector contributed a staggering $220 billion to Africa's economy in 2024, accounting for 7.7% of the continent's GDP. This figure is projected to rise to $270 billion by 2030, although the GDP percentage is expected to dip slightly to 7.4% due to the rapid growth of other sectors.

In terms of employment, the mobile ecosystem supported around 8 million jobs in 2024, with 5 million being direct and 3 million indirect, along with generating an impressive $30 billion in public funding. Presently, 416 million people in Africa are utilizing mobile internet services, a number expected to surge to 576 million by 2030, which represents approximately 33% of the total population.

The report also highlights significant technological advancements within the continent, forecasting a rise in 4G adoption from 45% to 54% by 2030, and a spike in 5G connections from a modest 2% to a remarkable 21% in the same timeframe. Despite these advancements, a critical issue remains: a significant usage gap affecting 960 million individuals across Africa, with 790 million in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, leading to the largest usage gap globally.

To address this, operators are anticipated to invest around $77 billion in new networks between 2024 and 2030, with revenues expected to reach $79 billion by the end of that period.

Conclusion

As discussions continue at MWC25 Kigali, the call for bold policy reforms and strategic investments echoes throughout the event. The collective efforts of leaders from government and industry are critical to overcoming the barriers hindering Africa’s digital evolution. With the right framework in place, the prospects for mobile technology can transform lives, boost economies, and create a more inclusive future for all Africans. Kigali's role in this transformative journey cannot be overstated, and the outcomes from MWC25 will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape of Africa for years to come.