Rwanda plays host to the most influential technology gathering, the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali 2025. Where industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers converge to explore how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (fintech) can power Africa’s next wave of digital and economic transformation.
Organised by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) in partnership with the Ministry of ICT & Innovation Rwanda, the three day summit arrives at a moment of rapid growth in Africa’s telecommunications sector, projected to be worth over US$ 82 billion by 2029
The event marks a shift, moving beyond tracking network rollout and subscriber numbers towards deploying technologies that close Africa’s digital divide and bridge the ‘usage gap’.
The summit’s programme is structured around four core themes, connected continent, AI future, fintech, and Africa’s digital frontier.
Key sessions will include, a two-day Fintech Summit, a 5G Summit, and the first-ever Security Summit at MWC.
The newly-added Ministerial Programme, bringing regulators and industry together to discuss spectrum allocation, infrastructure sharing, policy-industry frameworks, and the ethics of AI.
Exhibitor zones and innovation theatres, technologies on show range from rural connectivity solutions, blockchain-enabled remittances and mobile money tools, to AI-powered network management.
Hosting MWC Kigali for the third consecutive time reinforces Rwanda’s positioning as a technology and innovation hub in Africa.
According to Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA, the focus this year “switches gears beyond counting connections and coverage to delivering the connectivity, skills, and innovation that confronts the challenges still ahead.”
For Rwanda, the summit offer, a chance to showcase its digital infrastructure and regulatory environment.
An opportunity to attract investment in fintech, AI, connectivity and mobile driven services. A platform to form partnerships between government, operators, start-ups, and global tech firms.
Key trends and topics to watch
Despite expanded 4G/5G networks, many Africans live within coverage but remain digitally excluded unable to use or benefit from connected services. That gap represents a major barrier to economic inclusion and productivity growth.
Mobile money agents and digital financial services are turning phones into banking lifelines in Africa. At MWC Kigali, discussions focus on how fintech can support small businesses, enable cross-border trade and strengthen economic ecosystems.
AI is playing a dual role, optimising telecom networks (predictive maintenance, automation) and opening new business models especially data-driven services, smart applications). And its potential to accelerate growth is a major theme.
Sessions involving ministers and regulators will address critical themes such as open finance, data sharing, cybersecurity, and inclusive access to digital services. Policy frameworks will be under scrutiny.
For businesses and investors, this is the place to explore partnerships, access innovations, and identify market-entry opportunities in Africa’s fast-changing digital space.
For start-ups and innovators, with dedicated innovation zones and social venture prizes (e.g., the Orange Social Ventures Prize) there are platforms to showcase solutions and gain exposure
