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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali, Africa’s most extensive and influential connectivity event, is primed to fast-track digital innovation and amplify connectivity, driving Africa towards sustainable development.
Scheduled from October 17 to 19 at the Kigali Convention Centre, this event will bring together innovators and political leaders from across the continent, uniting to create a brighter future for all.
The congress will host insightful summits and forums, exploring topics like closing the digital gap, harnessing mobile technology for socio-economic progress, and aligning industries with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Aligned with MWC Kigali’s four core themes – Accelerate Africa, FinTech, HealthTech, and Powering Digital – these sessions aim to propel the digital era forward.
President Paul Kagame is set to inaugurate the conference on October 17. His participation underscores the momentum Africa’s digital transformation journey is gaining, empowering communities, governments, and businesses, according to Mats Granryd, the Director General of GSMA.
GSMA, a nonprofit industry organization representing mobile network operators globally, hosts the Mobile World Congress events worldwide.
“As 4G advances and 5G emerges, frontier technologies offer enormous potential, while fintech continues to bring millions into the formal economy for the first time,” added Granryd. “I eagerly anticipate three days of discussion and inspiration with international industry leaders and high-ranking African policymakers.”
The Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) is hosting the congress for the second time, building on the success of the inaugural edition. The previous MWC Kigali emphasized the significance of mobile connectivity and connected technologies in creating inclusive societies.
The event underscored the need to prioritize mobile internet adoption by addressing obstacles such as affordability and digital literacy. It also showcased Rwanda as a technological hub, particularly in 5G technology, offering opportunities for further investment and collaboration, according to MINICT.
As MWC 2023 approaches, the Ministry aims to leverage ongoing dialogues and shed light on policies and initiatives aimed at advancing the socio-economic development of Rwandans, such as the Smart City hub and the Edison Alliance launched by the World Economic Forum.
Moreover, MWC Kigali provides Rwanda with a platform to actively engage in global policy discussions alongside influential decision-makers and regulatory authorities worldwide. This engagement aims to make substantial contributions to mobile connectivity, addressing investment gaps, and bridging the digital divide.
The event will also serve as a prominent stage for Rwandan innovators to present their products and attract potential investors, according to MINICT.
The exploration of 4G and 5G potential in driving Africa’s socio-economic progress will be a central theme during MWC Kigali 2023, alongside a deep dive into leveraging FinTech trends to encourage innovation and expand financial inclusion.
According to GSMA, this year’s congress will showcase the integration of innovative technologies designed to provide solutions benefiting African citizens.
The Africa HealthTech Summit aims to play a pivotal role in addressing this theme, collaborating with key organizations like the Africa CDC, African Union, and Smart Africa.
The summit will host engaging discussions featuring accomplished female leaders who are breaking barriers to shape the future of Africa’s digital health ecosystem. Additionally, the summit will welcome industry experts to explore and address critical investment gaps within the healthcare sector.
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