MWC 2025 Day 3: Latest on Connectivity, AI, Fintech & The Future of Tech

MWC Day 3 was a whirlwind—fast-paced, intense, and filled with game-changing conversations. As the event neared its final stretch, the energy remained high, with discussions centering on the innovations shaping global mobile and digital future. From advancements in connectivity and AI to strategies for closing the digital divide, today was all about action—what’s being done, what’s working, and what still needs to change. 

For us at TechAfrica News, it was yet another busy but rewarding day. Our team was on the ground, engaging with key industry leaders, capturing exclusive insights, and spotlighting the incredible work being done to push Africa forward. Through interviews and deep conversations, we gained firsthand insights into the strategies, partnerships, and investments driving real impact across the continent. 

“Africa is not just catching up; we are actively shaping the future of connectivity and innovation on our own terms. Our digital transformation is no longer a distant vision. It’s happening now, led by those who believe in its potential and are working relentlessly to make it a reality.”

– Akim Benamara, Founder and Chief Editor, TechAfrica News 

Of course, Day 3 featured an array of thought-provoking panels, insightful keynotes, and deep discussions shaping the future of Africa’s digital landscape. One session that truly resonated with us was “The Future of Work and Economic Growth”, where Ross Frenett, CEO and Founder of Moonshot, explored how AI and shifting skill demands are reshaping the workforce. The conversation touched on how businesses are evolving to attract top talent and the role of automation in workforce transformation. A key question emerged—how should governments and business leaders address the ongoing war for talent in an AI-driven economy?  

AI regulations and digital health were key discussion points during the panel on “AI Regulations Around the Globe: Developments and Their Impact on Digital Health.” Ralph Oyini Mbouna, Director of Digital Transformation and Services at Smart Africa, highlighted the crucial role of regulation in shaping the future of technology and healthcare. 

“Regulations have the power to make or break a nation. With the rapid advancements in AI and digital health, it’s essential to bridge the gap between practitioners and regulators” 

– Ralph Oyini Mbouna, Director of Digital Transformation Services, Smart Africa 

From major announcements to new technologies set to redefine Global and Africa’s digital landscape, here’s what stood out: 

In a significant move to accelerate digital transformation, Telecom Egypt has partnered with Ericsson Mediation to modernize customer communications, streamline operations, and cut costs. Announced on the sidelines of MWC 2025, this collaboration will enhance customer engagement by enabling flexible communication choices, including app notifications and SMS alerts. By integrating Ericsson Mediation, Telecom Egypt aims to optimize service delivery and improve the overall digital experience for its customers. 

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced that its Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition has now secured $73 billion in commitments to drive universal, meaningful connectivity. The latest pledges, revealed during the event, signal a growing commitment from telecom and satellite industry leaders to bridging the digital divide. Partner2Connect plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources to enhance global digital infrastructure and ensure that underserved communities worldwide gain access to connectivity. 

In a landmark moment for the MWC series, the GSMA and the State of Qatar have announced the first-ever MWC Doha, set to take place on November 25–26, 2025, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. This event, part of a five-year agreement between the GSMA and Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, will spotlight the Middle East’s role in global digital transformation.  

His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammad Al Mannai, Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that MWC25 Doha aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, reinforcing the country’s position as a hub for global technology summits. 

“MWC25 Doha will be an unmissable experience, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators shaping the next generation of digital societies.”  

– John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA

During a session at the event, BCS Group, a leading Pan-African wholesale telecom infrastructure provider, announced the completion of its Lake Tanganyika Submarine Cable Project. This initiative marks the deployment of the deepest inland undersea fiber optic cable in the world, setting a new benchmark for connectivity in Africa. The Lake Tanganyika submarine cable spans an impressive 400 kilometers, reaching depths of 800 to 1,300 meters beneath the surface of Africa’s longest and the world’s second-deepest lake. 

Cybersecurity took center stage at MWC 2025 as Kaspersky and Smart Africa announced a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Africa’s digital security landscape. e partnership focuses on training programs, gender inclusion in cybersecurity, and harmonizing regional policies. 

Through Kaspersky Academy, professionals across Africa will gain essential cybersecurity skills, while initiatives will support women in STEM and ICT. The collaboration also aims to standardize cybersecurity policies, strengthen cyber defenses, and establish security operation centers to combat digital threats. This partnership marks a key step toward a safer, more resilient digital Africa.   

“This MoU marks a significant milestone in our quest to secure Africa’s digital future. By joining forces with Kaspersky, we are not only building essential cybersecurity skills and bridging the gender gap but also setting the stage for robust regional cooperation and state-of-the-art cyber infrastructure.” 

– Lacina Koné, CEO, Smart Africa. 

Meanwhile, the EQUALS Global Partnership reaffirmed its commitment to digital gender equality by 2035, with an ambitious goal to empower 100 million women and girls through technology and innovation. 

Led by founding partners ITU, UN Women, the International Trade Centre, and UN University, the initiative focuses on closing the digital gender gap through skills training, leadership programs, and policy advocacy. By fostering inclusive digital access, EQUALS aims to create a future where women and girls can fully participate in the digital economy.  

The TechAfrica News team was at the heart of conversations, —speaking with the visionaries, industry leaders, and disruptors driving Africa’s digital transformation. From connectivity and AI to fintech and digital inclusion, we explored the trends shaping the continent’s future.

We spoke to PerceptionTV, CEO of Rapido, Fabio Pigo, discussing how Rapido is optimizing mobile-first content delivery for low-bandwidth environments, making digital access more inclusive.

From there, we had dived into satellite connectivity with Gerry Collins, Director of Product Management at Intelsat, who reflected on the evolution of satellite-terrestrial convergence and the game-changing impact of Intelsat’s 3GPP Ku-band approval for the 5G ecosystem. We also spoke with Simon Gatty Saunt, VP Sales for Europe & Africa at SES, about how multi-orbit orchestration is redefining enterprise connectivity and bridging Africa’s digital divide.

Turning to broadband expansion, we caught up with Roque Lozano, Senior VP of Network Infrastructure for Middle East and Africa at Nokia, who shared Nokia’s vision for accelerating fiber and fixed wireless access in underserved regions. He also highlighted how AI and automation are transforming broadband infrastructure for the future.

At the GSMA booth, we had insightful discussions with Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa about the policies needed to close Africa’s usage gap and the role of mobile-driven financial services in empowering communities. Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, Head of Mobile for Development, also gave us a deep dive into the mobile sector’s growth and the challenges facing African startups.

We also had a fascinating discussion with Lacina Koné, who reflected on AI’s evolution since last year’s MWC and its growing role in digital inclusion. With Africa’s digital landscape rapidly changing, he shared key insights on what’s next for AI-driven transformation across the continent.

Fintech and AI were recurring themes at MWC, and we explored these topics with Sami Muhammad Salman, Director of Business Development at Whale Cloud, discussing AI-powered fintech solutions and their partnership with Gavin Liu, Director of Wallet Tech at Ant International, on expanding digital financial services.

Finally, we wrapped up with Andriy Zhylenkov, CEO at PortaOne, who provided a fascinating take on AI in telecoms—balancing the hype with real-world applications, including monetization strategies for AI-driven services.

These conversations barely scratch the surface of what’s coming—stay tuned as we upload our full video interviews with these industry leaders! MWC 2025 was just the beginning, and the future of Africa’s digital transformation has never looked more exciting.

From established global players to emerging disruptors, discover how these companies are driving advancements in telecom, media, and technology. Get an in-depth look at their products, strategies, and visions for the future. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to stay informed and inspired by the industry’s trailblazers.

As MWC 2025 heads into its final stretch, there’s still plenty to look forward to—more conversations, more innovation, and more industry-shaping moments. Expect deeper insights, fresh partnerships, and groundbreaking ideas as we continue our discussions with key players redefining Africa’s tech landscape. 

Rethinking Supply Chains: How Tech Can Clean Up Its Act 

When: Thursday, 6 March | 11:00 – 11:30 CET
Where: Johnson Stage, Hall 6 (Pass Required) 

With sustainability in tech under increasing scrutiny, this session will explore how technology can drive cleaner, more responsible supply chains—from ethical sourcing to reducing carbon footprints in manufacturing and logistics. 

The Search Wars: The Race for AI-Powered Search Dominance 

AI-powered search engines are rapidly changing how we find and consume information. This session will break down the key players, innovations, and what the future of search looks like in an AI-driven world. 

Under Siege: Fortifying Data Security in the Global Tech Landscape 

When: Thursday, 6 March | 10:00 – 10:30 CET
Where: Johnson Stage, Hall 6 (Pass Required) 

With cyber threats at an all-time high, this session will tackle the critical strategies for securing data and fortifying digital ecosystems—from cloud resilience to AI-driven threat detection.