Mobile World Congress Kigali 2024 to Highlight Connectivity’s Role in Africa’s Socio-Economic Growth

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) organised by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) is set to return to the Kigali Convention Center from October 29-31, 2024, as Africa’s premier connectivity event. Bringing together innovators and political leaders, the event will focus on advancing the digital economy and fostering socio-economic development across the continent.

Under four central themes—Connected Continent, The AI Future, FinTech, and Africa’s Digital DNA—MWC Kigali will feature keynotes and panel discussions led by industry giants. Confirmed speakers include Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar, Amini CEO Kate Kallot, GSMA Director General Mats Granryd, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, and Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon. Paula Ingabire.

For the first time, the GSMA Ministerial Programme will be held in Africa at MWC Kigali, highlighting the region’s commitment to shaping policy for digital progress. Additionally, the Mobile for Development (M4D) team will return, showcasing innovations in AI, agriculture, and digital inclusion. The Mobile Money Leadership Forum will also explore the latest trends in financial technology.

The MWC Kigali keynotes will cover some of Africa’s most pressing digital connectivity issues. Keynote 1 will discuss how digital technologies are driving socio-economic development in Africa to address the continent’s unique challenges. Keynote 2 will focus on the transformative potential of AI, including how it can drive sustainable and inclusive growth across Africa. Keynote 3 will see speakers explore the rapid evolution of Africa’s Fintech landscape and the technologies impacting investment opportunities. While Keynote 4 will explore how the evolving content landscape is allowing African content creators to be heard and celebrated globally.

An agenda of GSMA Summits will be hosted during the event, inviting industry leaders and policymakers to discover the issues affecting enterprises in areas from network security to diversity in tech:

• The Security Summit will tackle the most pressing security challenges mobile network operators face today, in the context of a rapidly evolving cyber risk landscape.
• The Digital Summit will explore the digital economy’s potential in Africa, exploring how digital technologies and policy reform can drive significant socio-economic growth in Africa.
• The AI Summit will cover both the vast potential and the associated risks of AI technologies in Africa, as the technology’s prevalence grows in the global economy.
• The 5G Summit will address the barriers preventing the technology’s widespread adoption and ways to unlock its potential for both enterprises and consumers.
• The Diversity for Tech Summit will focus on the urgent need for greater disability inclusion in Africa’s tech sector, ensuring that people with disabilities have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

MWC Kigali is held alongside the Africa Health Tech Summit and FEWA (Future of Education and Work in Africa), offering an in-depth exploration of connectivity challenges and opportunities in the health and education sectors. We are proud to have the support of our stellar line up of sponsors, exhibitors and event partners, including Africa CDC, Africa Union, Huawei, inABLE, MTN, the Republic of Rwanda, Smart Africa and ZTE.

For more information, follow our updates on the MWC Kigali Press Zone or visit www.mwckigali.com. Accredited media are invited to register here for a complimentary pass, which is required for access to the press centre.