Prime Minister calls for collaboration to enhance mobile connectivity at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Kigali.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has emphasized the need for collaboration among governments, industry leaders, and innovators to expand affordable and inclusive mobile connectivity across Africa. His remarks were made during a dinner on October 20, 2025, welcoming participants to the Mobile World Congress 2025, which commenced in Kigali.
During his address, Nsengiyumva highlighted the significance of the event, stating that the presence of delegates reflects a collective determination to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation through innovation, investment, and collaboration. He noted that the partnership between Rwanda and GSMA, the conference organizer, exemplifies the achievements possible when the public and private sectors work together with a shared vision.
“In just a decade, Africa’s mobile story has evolved from mere connectivity to creativity,” Nsengiyumva remarked. He pointed out that over half a billion Africans have been connected, leading to the creation of a $1 trillion mobile money economy. This transformation has positioned mobile connectivity as a key driver for growth, innovation, and inclusion across the continent.
He commended all stakeholders involved in shaping Africa’s connected future and stressed the importance of maintaining the spirit of collaboration and ambition. “Over the coming days, this Congress will focus on one of our continent’s most critical priorities: expanding affordable and inclusive connectivity to all Africans,” he stated.
Nsengiyumva urged participants to envision a future where technology serves as a true driver of opportunity and growth. He emphasized that if African nations move in unison, they can bridge the digital divide, accelerate inclusion, and ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation technologies do not exclude their populations.
As Africa celebrates its progress, the Prime Minister called for renewed energy and ambition to look ahead. “May this week be filled with groundbreaking ideas, bold partnerships, and real commitments that move Africa from being simply connected to being truly digitally empowered,” he added.
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of GSMA, also spoke at the event, noting that it has been nearly 40 years since the first mobile call was made in Africa. He highlighted the growth of the mobile industry, which now serves 710 million customers on the continent, with projections indicating this number could reach 915 million by 2030.
Badrinath pointed out that the innovations stemming from mobile adoption, such as mobile money, have resulted in 1 billion registered accounts and over $1 trillion in transactions annually across Sub-Saharan Africa. He described this phenomenon as distinctly African.
He further noted that digital transformation is rapidly accelerating across the continent, creating new opportunities for governments, businesses, and citizens. In Rwanda, he observed, strategic investments in technology and innovation are paving the way for the country to become a leading hub in Africa, exemplified by initiatives like the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Rwanda AI Scaling Hub.
Looking ahead to the Congress, Badrinath indicated that AI would be a significant topic of discussion, as the continent witnesses new investments and a wave of homegrown use cases.
Key Points
- PM Nsengiyumva calls for collaboration to enhance mobile connectivity in Africa.
- The Mobile World Congress 2025 highlights Africa's digital transformation.
- Over half a billion Africans connected, creating a $1 trillion mobile money economy.
- Rwanda's strategic investments position it as a leading tech hub in Africa.
- AI and next-gen technologies must empower rather than exclude African populations.
Sources: AI, next-gen tech must empower Africa, says PM Nsengiyumva