As we anticipate MWC Kigali 2024, set for October 29th to 31st, it’s time for Africa’s digital community to unite once again. Now in its third year, this event has become one of the most important gatherings for the continent’s digital transformation journey. It is a crucial moment for the continent’s tech sector to align, strategize, and chart a course forward. Having attended MWC Africa from its inception in 2022, we have witnessed first-hand the powerful conversations, meaningful connections, and forward-thinking innovations that have emerged from this event.
At TechAfrica News, we don’t usually write editorials or promote events before they happen but MWC Kigali has proven to be a notable exception. It has consistently proven to be an event organized by Africans, for Africa, discussing our matters, for us and by us, which is the right way to go. This is no sponsored post or advertisement, but rather an acknowledgment of the commendable work being done by GSMA Africa to bring together Africa’s digital ecosystem to tackle our continent’s unique challenges and leverage our vast opportunities. For the past three years, MWC Kigali has provided a space for African voices to drive the conversation on issues that matter most to us.
In this TechTalk Thursday edition, we’ll explore why gatherings like MWC Africa are essential, highlight some of the key sessions we’re looking forward to, and reflect on why this year’s event is critical for Africa’s future.
Why It’s Crucial for the Industry to Gather
Africa is experiencing a digital revolution. The need for a platform where industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs can come together has never been more pressing. MWC Kigali offers that very platform—a space for collaboration, innovation, and the forging of strategic partnerships that will shape Africa’s digital landscape for years to come. Events like this are also critical for networking and market exposure. African tech startups, established companies, and even governments get the chance to access global trends, learn about emerging technologies, and establish the ties needed to drive meaningful growth. In a continent where many markets are still developing, access to this kind of information and networking can be the difference between stagnation and accelerated growth.
These conferences not only showcase the latest technologies but also provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the unique challenges Africa faces in its digital transformation journey Whether it’s bridging the connectivity gap, fostering financial inclusion, or navigating regulatory frameworks, the issues discussed at MWC directly impact the lives of millions of Africans.
We’ve been attending MWC Kigali from its very first year, and every time, we leave with renewed energy and insights into how the African tech landscape is evolving. We’ve witnessed firsthand how MWC Kigali has provided a stage for African voices, putting them at the center of the global conversation. In a world where technology is shaping every aspect of life, it’s critical for Africa to not only keep up but lead in specific areas of innovation, and conferences like MWC give us the tools, connections, and knowledge to do just that.
A Look at the Agenda: Addressing Africa’s Digital Transformation
This year’s theme, Future First, places a sharp focus on putting Africa at the forefront of global technological change. The agenda covers every crucial aspect of Africa’s digital transformation, ensuring no stone is left unturned. From 5G and AI to fintech, the conversations at this year’s event will reflect the broad spectrum of opportunities and challenges the continent faces.
Here’s a look at the key theme, alongside some highlighted panels and keynote sessions.
A Connected Continent
Africa’s potential to become a fully connected continent has never been greater. Africa’s unique geographical and infrastructural challenges make connectivity a constant topic of concern, and this year’s MWC Kigali will explore how we can leverage the latest in 5G and telecom innovation to overcome these barriers. We’re particularly interested in hearing thoughts on how 5G could be deployed to bridge the connectivity gap in rural areas and underserved regions.
Sessions included are;
- Keynote 1: Africa’s Future First – ‘Pioneering the Path to a Digital Future’
With mobile subscribers set to reach 692M by 2030, connectivity is driving socio-economic development and innovation across Africa’s dynamic digital landscape. Collaboration across sectors is essential to leveraging emerging technologies and creating an inclusive, sustainable digital future for the continent.
This session will look at the future of Africa’s digital landscape and the bold steps required to pioneer that transformation with notable speakers like Sunil Taldar CEO, Airtel Africa, Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Ralph Mupita, CEO MTN Group.
- Transforming the Telco: 5G & Beyond – The Next Phase of Enhanced Connectivity
As 5G becomes a reality, this session will explore how this technology can reshape telecoms in Africa and beyond. Industry experts including Tola Sunmonu-Balogun, Associate Partner, McKinsey, and Elizabeth Migwalla, VP Government affairs, Qualcomm, will explore the growing momentum of 5G, especially in the industrial sector, and discuss strategies to overcome rollout challenges, creating a connected future and a digitally empowered Africa.
- Modernizing the Connectivity Landscape ‘Defining the Future of Communication’
Explore how telecom modernization, AI advancements, and satellite networks are revolutionizing connectivity and transforming customer engagement. Join experts including Gamze Aydin, SVP Sales, Middle East & Africa, Avanti, and Elie Abouatme, Head of TMT Industry Go-to-Market, ServiceNow as they showcase next-generation services and emerging technologies that are shaping a connected, digital future.
The AI Future
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm, and Africa is no exception. This year’s discussions will also center on how AI can unlock new opportunities for innovation and drive growth across sectors. Some sessions include;
- Keynote 2: The AI Opportunity ‘Exploring AI Innovation & Impact’
Speakers including Kate Kallot (Founder & CEO, Amini), Hassanein Hirdijee (Chairman, Axian Group), James Zhang (VP, Carrier Sales Dept, Huawei), and Hon. Paula Ingabire (Minister, ICT & Innovation, Republic of Rwanda) will explore the transformative power of AI and its potential to drive economic and technological growth in Africa. This keynote will showcase strategies for overcoming challenges and harnessing AI to enhance connectivity, optimize networks, and fuel innovation across the continent.
- Eliminating Bias: AI for Africa, by Africa ‘Unleashing AI Potential, Responsibly
Join AI experts like Koliwe Majama, Senior Program Officer, Mozilla Foundation, and Pelonomi Moiloa, CEO & Co-founder, Lelepa AI, and others as they discuss the transformative potential of AI for Africa. This session will explore how to eliminate bias and develop AI responsibly to drive innovation and sustainable growth across the continent.
- From Algorithms to Actions ‘AI Driven Business Transformation.
This session will highlight the opportunities and challenges of AI implementation, emphasizing the importance of local talent and fostering innovation.
- The AI Enabled Telco ‘Charting the Course from Telco to Techco’
AI is revolutionizing the telecom industry, from optimizing operations to enhancing customer experience and driving energy efficiency. This session will explore the transformation from telco to techco, highlighting the need for companies to embrace AI to thrive in the digital future.
Fintech
Fintech has transformed how Africans interact with money, driving financial inclusion and reshaping commerce. Africa has already proven itself a global leader in mobile banking, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 70% of the global market according to the GSMA.
- Keynote 3: Africa’s FinTech Outlook ‘Visionary Strategies Shaping the FinTech Landscape’
Join industry leaders Erwan Gelebart (CEO – Open Innovation & Fintech, Axian Group), Serigne Dioum (CEO, MTN FinTech), and Lee Naik (CEO, TransUnion Africa) as they share their visionary strategies shaping Africa’s FinTech landscape, highlighting the continent’s leadership in mobile money and digital payments. This session will explore how advancements in blockchain, AI, and digital finance are driving innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable development across Africa.
Africa’s Digital DNA
Africa’s unique “digital DNA” is transforming industries across the continent. This year’s conversations will look at how technology is driving sectoral transformation and fueling growth. From agriculture to energy to manufacturing, tech-driven transformation is helping sectors evolve, creating new opportunities for economic growth and development. This is an area we at TechAfrica News are also passionate about, as we continue to document how digital solutions are enabling African industries to leapfrog into the future.
- Keynote 4: Content is King, Queen & Everything in Between ‘Innovating & Elevating African’s Content’
This keynote will highlight how digital platforms are democratizing content creation, driving economic growth, and showcasing innovative advancements in entertainment, gaming, and content creation on the global stage. Join Derrick N. Ashong (Founder & CEO, TMBT) and Louis Manu (CEO, Wi-Flix) as they explore the transformation of Africa’s content landscape.
- Revolutionizing Sectors: Unleashing Digital Growth ‘Tech Driven Transformation Across Industries’
Explore how mobile technology and digital advancements like 5G, AI, and IoT are revolutionizing industries across Africa.
“We’ll be talking about and revealing what we have been working on this year at MWC Kigali in October, where at the ministerial program, we’ll have a session on transitioning towards a green energy future for the sector. Additionally, we are looking at how we can collaborate with like-minded organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to build capacity for fiscal policymakers. This will help them understand the sector better and unpack its structure, so together we can tackle challenges like taxation, which burdens the cost and affordability of services for our people. I invite everyone to join us in Kigali from the 29th to the 31st of October, where we will address these critical issues and how we can all work together” – Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA
Reflecting on Two Years of MWC Africa and Our Commitment to our Mission
When MWC Africa was first introduced two years ago, there were questions about whether it could live up to its promise. Could it be the event that truly encapsulates Africa’s digital transformation? Would it have the staying power to make a meaningful difference in the tech industry?
Now, as we head into the third year, the answer is clear. MWC Africa has not only lived up to its expectations, but it has also surpassed them. By fostering collaboration and facilitating crucial conversations, it has played a significant role in driving Africa’s digital transformation. Each year, the event has evolved, addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and presenting solutions that are both innovative and grounded in African realities.
At TechAfrica News, we have been proud witnesses to this transformation from day one. We’ve seen how MWC Kigali has evolved into a space where Africa’s digital leaders unite to drive progress and innovation, shaping the continent’s digital future. It is events like this that will continue to push Africa forward, ensuring that the continent is not left behind in the global technological revolution.
We remain committed to documenting and supporting Africa’s digital transformation journey. Events like MWC Kigali offer an unparalleled opportunity for the African tech industry to come together, learn from each other, and build the partnerships needed to drive change. The road ahead is long, but Africa’s digital future looks brighter than ever.
Stay Updated with TechAfrica News
Stay tuned as we provide extensive coverage on MWC Kigali 2024, bringing you in-depth insights, interviews, and key takeaways from the most significant discussions and innovations shaping Africa’s digital ecosystem. We’ll be present, covering the show closely with daily updates and on-site reporting, including video interviews with industry leaders and innovators. Don’t miss our comprehensive look at everything happening at the event!
