By Elie Mutangana, Kigali
Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, has called on African nations to embrace bold reforms that will accelerate digital transformation across the continent, stressing that technology remains the key to unlocking Africa’s growth and competitiveness.
Speaking at the opening of the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Kigali on Tuesday, Kagame said Africa’s journey from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy demonstrates what is possible when innovation meets purpose.
“Rwanda believes deeply in the power of technology to connect people and foster real transformation. In just a few years, Africa has gone from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy. The future we must build is an Africa that is bold, connected, and competitive,” Kagame declared.
Heritage Times HT reports that the annual event, organized by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), brings together global and African leaders in technology, telecommunications, and policy to shape the continent’s digital future. This year’s edition focuses on three urgent priorities for Africa’s digital growth, handset affordability, inclusive AI language models, and energy resilience.
GSMA Director General, Vivek Badrinath, noted that Africa’s mobile sector remains one of the most dynamic in the world but faces persistent barriers such as high device costs and unreliable energy. “By working together, governments, industry and development partners can make digital inclusion affordable, sustainable and meaningful for every African,” he said.
According to the GSMA Mobile Economy Africa 2025 Report launched at the event, the mobile sector contributed $220 billion to Africa’s economy in 2024, with that figure projected to rise to $270 billion by 2030. However, a usage gap of over 960 million people still prevents many Africans from benefiting from mobile internet access.
To address this, the GSMA and major mobile operators, including Airtel, MTN, Orange, Vodacom, and others, have launched the Handset Affordability Coalition, a new initiative aimed at reducing the cost of entry-level smartphones and expanding digital inclusion.
Another highlight of MWC25 is the launch of a continent-wide collaboration to develop inclusive African AI language models, under the theme “AI in Africa, by Africa, for Africa”. The initiative brings together operators, research institutions, and tech innovators to ensure African languages and knowledge are represented in global AI systems.
GSMA’s Head of Africa, Angela Wamola, emphasized that the message from Kigali is unmistakable: “Africa has the talent and ambition, but reforms on affordability, AI and energy are essential to drive inclusive growth and ensure everyone benefits from the digital economy”.
The three-day summit, which continues through Wednesday, is expected to produce new policy directions and partnerships that will strengthen Africa’s place in the global digital economy.
