MWC 2025 Post Show Report: Breakthroughs in Connectivity, AI, Fintech and Beyond

From March 3-6, 2025, the world gathered in Barcelona for what has once again proven to be the largest and most influential connectivity event—MWC 2025. This year’s edition was nothing short of groundbreaking, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements shaping the future of mobile, AI, 5G, IoT, and beyond.

When the GSMA promised that MWC 2025 would be bigger, bolder, and better, it wasn’t just a statement—it became reality. The event saw a record-breaking 109,000+ attendees, marking a nearly 8% increase from 2024’s 101,000+ visitors. With 2,900+ exhibitors, sponsors, and partners showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and participation from 205 countries and territories, MWC 2025 was truly a global affair.

Everywhere you turned, there was a sense of excitement, from major product launches and thought-provoking panel discussions to unexpected partnerships that could redefine industries. The event wasn’t just about numbers—it was about connections, innovations, and the future of digital transformation. Whether it was AI-powered breakthroughs, the next wave of 5G and 6G innovations, or strategies to bridge the digital divide, MWC 2025 reinforced its status as the ultimate stage for shaping what’s next in connectivity.

“109,000 people attended MWC25 in Barcelona. If you started reading through the names of all attendees now, at a rate of one per second, it would take you over 30 hours to go through the full list. But beyond the numbers, what matters to us is not the quantity, but rather the quality of attendees.
– Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, Head of Mobile for Developement (M4D), GSMA  

For us at TechAfrica News, it was four fulfilling days of immersing ourselves in the pulse of the industry—covering the event, engaging with key stakeholders, interviewing exhibitors, and unpacking the latest developments across the global tech landscape. But more importantly, we examined how these innovations and policy discussions will shape Africa’s digital transformation journey. The intersection of global tech advancements and Africa’s unique challenges was at the core of our coverage, as we explored what these breakthroughs mean for connectivity, inclusion, and the continent’s future.

“MWC25 is more than an event; it’s where the future takes shape in real-time. Every conversation, every innovation, every strategic partnership here has the potential to redefine how we connect, communicate, and create opportunities—especially for emerging markets like Africa.”
– Akim Benamara, Founder and Chief Editor of TechAfrica News

Converge. Connect. Create. Shaping the Future 

Did we converge? Absolutely. Did we connect? More than ever. Did we create? Without a doubt.

MWC 2025 wasn’t just a conference; it was a meeting of minds, industries, and innovations, all driving the future of connectivity. This year’s discussions stretched across industries, exploring how 5G is moving beyond promise to real-world impact, powering everything from private networks to advanced coverage solutions. Connectivity took center stage as experts tackled the challenges of an increasingly hyperconnected world, with IoT set to surpass 15 billion devices by 2027. AI was everywhere—not just as a disruptor but as a critical force shaping businesses, networks, and consumer experiences. And as enterprises evolve, agility is no longer optional. Conversations around cloud computing, edge intelligence, and hybrid work underscored the urgency for companies to reinvent themselves.

But MWC 2025 wasn’t just about technology; it was about responsibility. From sustainability to digital inclusion, the question wasn’t just what’s next, but how to ensure no one is left behind. The ideas shared here won’t stay within the walls of Fira Gran Via. They will shape policies, drive investments, and define the next era of digital innovation.

And for those who couldn’t be there in person, MWC 2025’s keynote highlights remain available for viewing, ensuring that the insights and breakthroughs continue to reach a global audience.

AI Took Centre Stage 

If there was one technology that dominated conversations at MWC 2025, it was AI. From network optimization to enterprise automation and personalized digital experiences, AI is no longer just a disruptor—it’s an enabler. Telcos are integrating AI to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences, while enterprises are leveraging it for predictive analytics, cybersecurity, and automation. 

But with AI’s rapid rise comes pressing questions about ethics, bias, and data privacy. As technology advances, ensuring responsible AI deployment remains a top priority. One thing is certain: AI is here to stay, and it’s redefining the digital landscape faster than ever. 

And What About Africa?

The world is innovating, but Africa is not being left behind. Amid the flurry of global announcements and cutting-edge advancements at MWC 2025, Africa’s digital transformation remained a part of the conversation. With connectivity at the heart of the continent’s development, discussions explored how 5G expansion, AI integration, and emerging technologies are reshaping industries, bridging gaps, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.

For Africa, the message from the MWC25 was that innovation must be inclusive. The rollout of affordable 5G solutions, AI-driven network optimization, and satellite-powered rural connectivity is accelerating, ensuring that connectivity reaches even the most remote regions. Fintech remains a powerhouse, with mobile money and digital payment solutions continuing to redefine financial inclusion across the continent. Enterprises are also stepping up, leveraging cloud computing, AI, and blockchain to drive efficiency and scale solutions tailored to African markets.

However, innovation cannot thrive without the right policies and investment. African leaders, telcos, and tech innovators at MWC 2025 emphasized the need for collaborative regulation, infrastructure investment, and skill development to ensure the digital economy grows sustainably.

“We were privileged to witness the future of connectivity and digital transformation at MWC 2025, where groundbreaking innovations in satellite technology, wireless backhaul, and AI-driven platforms took center stage. These discussions and partnerships highlight the incredible opportunities that lie ahead”
– Joyce Onyeagoro, Editor, TechAfrica News

This year we saw a strong presence from Africa’s telecom stakeholders and technology partners, highlighting their commitment to accelerating digital transformation across the continent. Key announcements and partnerships reflected a shared focus on infrastructure, cloud adoption, and inclusive connectivity.

Zambia Showcases Smart Village with Huawei

The Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia, in partnership with Huawei, launched the global showcase of Zambia’s Smart Village project during MWC 2025. The project, first implemented in July 2024, brings electricity, Internet, remote healthcare, and digital education to underserved communities. It aligns with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and aims to bridge inequalities while equipping citizens with digital skills for the fourth industrial revolution.
Huawei emphasized the role of AI and its DeepSeek model in public service upgrades, advocating for sovereign and synergized national cloud strategies. The initiative showcases how intelligent infrastructure can drive sustainable development across rural Africa.

Safaricom Deepens Cloud Transformation with Red Hat

Safaricom, one of Kenya’s leading telcos, unveiled the impact of its digital transformation powered by Red Hat OpenShift. By transitioning to a hybrid cloud-native infrastructure, Safaricom now supports 70% of its Tier 1 and 2 applications on OpenShift, including M-PESA, Africa’s most widely used mobile payment platform.
The move has significantly improved performance, scalability, and time-to-market—enabling projects like the Hustler Fund to launch within a month. Safaricom is also evaluating extending OpenShift to its 5G core, underscoring the growing role of cloud-native platforms in Africa’s telecom infrastructure.

Econet and Ericsson to Enable 5G Standalone in Zimbabwe

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe strengthened its partnership with Ericsson, announcing the deployment of 5G Core functions to support 5G Standalone (SA) services. This follows the modernization of its core network with Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core in 2023.
The agreement includes expanding network capacity, integrating Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server, and improving orchestration and automation—laying the groundwork for scalable and efficient 5G services in Zimbabwe.

MTN and Huawei Sign MoU to Boost Africa’s Digital Infrastructure

MTN Group and Huawei signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore advanced connectivity solutions, AI-powered cloud platforms, and digital infrastructure projects across the continent.
MTN’s Group CTIO, Mazen Mroué, highlighted the focus on digital inclusion, improved network reliability, and enabling next-generation services. Huawei’s leadership emphasized the importance of localized, intelligent infrastructure to support Africa’s growing digital economy.

TechAfrica News at MWC 2025
Our Role on the Ground

At MWC 2025, the team at TechAfrica News had the privilege of connecting with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers, gaining insights into global as well as Africa’s digital landscape. We spoke with exhibitors, policy influencers, and tech pioneers, gathering perspectives on how Africa is positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation.

We also had the exclusive honor of witnessing a pivotal moment for Ghana’s digital future. The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Ghana, signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MTN Ghana, a move that is set to elevate the country’s tech landscape to new heights.

This agreement is focused on fostering digital skills, AI development, data governance, and cybersecurity for Ghana’s youth. The MoU, effective for the next 12 months, lays the foundation for collaboration between MTN Ghana and the Ghanaian government, with a shared goal of empowering the next generation of tech leaders. As part of the ‘One Million Coders’ initiative, the program aims to equip young Ghanaians with the digital skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global tech environment.

To gain further insight into this collaboration, Akim Benamara, our Founder and Chief Editor at TechAfrica News, engaged with Honourable Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations. In their conversation, Minister George emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships in youth upskilling and the country’s focus on AI development.

Hon. George stressed the importance of building local expertise in AI, data science, and cybersecurity, highlighting the role of African professionals in creating solutions tailored to the continent’s needs. He reiterated that Ghana’s vision is to position Accra as Africa’s hub for AI, empowering the nation’s youth to drive digital transformation across the continent.

“We believe that African AI must be AI for Africa, by Africans, and from Africa. That means African AI engineers, African data scientists, and African cybersecurity experts must be the ones developing AI tools tailored to the continent’s unique nuances and challenges.”
– Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP, Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Ghana 

Voices of Innovators: Key Conversations on Africa’s Digital Future

At MWC 2025, Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at GSMA, discussed Africa’s digital evolution, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in fiscal policies and digital growth. She highlighted the mobile sector’s significant economic contribution, particularly in Nigeria, and the need for policy reforms that foster digital inclusion. Wamola also touched on the GSMA Digital Africa Index, which identifies barriers to digital adoption, and the challenges of AI adoption without proper infrastructure. She stressed that sustainable solutions, including strategic partnerships, are crucial for advancing Africa’s mobile ecosystem and driving economic growth. 

“The real question is: Will AI drive greater digital inclusion, or does it currently pose a risk of deepening the digital divide? Unless we tackle the existing barriers—particularly the infrastructure challenges affecting both the supply and demand of technology adoption—we risk being left behind. It’s crucial that we not only enable access to existing content but also leverage AI to identify and overcome these barriers ourselves.” 
– Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA 

Akim Benamara, Chief Editor of TechAfrica News, spoke with Andriy Zhylenko, CEO of PortaOne, about the challenge of turning AI innovation into sustainable business models. Zhylenko pointed out that many AI startups prioritize technology over profitability, making scalability difficult.  PortaOne’s solution, PortaAIM, helps AI businesses optimize pricing and track costs, ensuring profitability. 

“AI isn’t a silver bullet, but for telcos, it’s the best chance they’ve had in years to create real value beyond connectivity. If they move fast, they can lead. If not, someone else will.” 
– Andriy Zhylenko, CEO, PortaOne  

As the digital landscape in Africa rapidly evolves, Lacina Koné CEO of Smart Africa, shared his insights on AI’s growing influence across the continent. Reflecting on the significant developments since last year, Kone noted how AI has moved from a buzzword to a transformative force, especially in sectors like agriculture, education, healthcare, and cybersecurity. He emphasized the need for Africa to develop its own AI models, tailored to local needs. Despite challenges like limited computing power, he sees collaboration across the continent as key to unlocking AI’s potential, with a focus on demand-driven solutions and private sector involvement.  

 “Now that we have AI, to avoid it creating another divide, AI will actually enable uneducated people to interact with technology. That’s what I call social and knowledge inclusion. It’s a good thing for Africa because it’s a driving force and a catalyst for digital transformation.”  

– Lacina Koné, CEO, Smart Africa

Jerry Collins, Director, Networks Product Management, Intelsat, discussed the growing role of satellite technology in global connectivity, highlighting the shift toward a multi-orbit approach for seamless coverage. He emphasized Africa’s potential as a leader in adopting 5G NTN solutions, which could overcome infrastructure challenges in rural areas. With partnerships like SoftBank and advancements in 5G NTN standards, Intelsat is set to drive innovation, with commercial solutions expected by 2027, positioning Africa at the forefront of this transformation.

“Africa could be one of those regions to adopt 5G NTN technology first, because in many areas, terrestrial 5G will struggle to extend beyond urban centers. But if you have a satellite-enabled device that works terrestrially and seamlessly switches to satellite when moving out of coverage, that changes everything.” 
– Jerry Collins, Director, Networks Product Management, Intelsat

At MWC 2025, Arun Bhikshesvaran, CEO of Radisys, discussed the company’s approach to affordable connectivity for Africa, inspired by its success in India with Jio. Radisys plans to empower local entrepreneurs by providing tools for running their own networks, adapting its model to Africa’s diverse needs. The company is introducing a multi-access broadband strategy combining fiber, 5G, and unlicensed Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) to address cost-sensitive markets. Radisys is also collaborating with NGIC Ghana on a neutral host network, reducing infrastructure costs. With a focus on sectors like education, Radisys aims to bridge the digital divide and drive Africa’s digital transformation.

“Jio operates as a telecom provider in India. However, in Africa, our approach will be different—we won’t be an operator. Instead, we’ll empower local entrepreneurs with the capability to run their own networks. Our role is to equip them with the right tools, methods, and processes to ensure their success. Given the similarities between the markets—whether in income levels, geography, or the presence of rural and semi-rural areas—this model is well-suited for Africa.” 
– Arun Bhikshesvaran, CEO, Radisys 

Majda Lahlou Kassi, Vice President at Ericsson, shared the company’s vision for Africa’s digital transformation. She highlighted the role of AI, 5G, and cloud computing in driving economic growth and bridging the digital divide. While 4G remains dominant in Africa, Kassi projected 5G adoption will rise, especially in rural areas. Ericsson is committed to enhancing connectivity through partnerships with organizations like Smart Africa, UNICEF, and UNESCO, focusing on providing affordable, high-quality broadband to underserved regions.

“Bringing connectivity to rural areas is crucial, and Ericsson plays a key role in making that happen. Whether through fixed wireless access solutions leveraging 4G and 5G or specialized rural connectivity solutions, we’re committed to ensuring high-quality broadband reaches everyone, everywhere.” 
– Majda Lahlou Kassi, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit West and Southern Africa at Ericsson   

At MWC 2025, Max Cuvellier-Giacomelli, GSMA’s Head of Mobile for Development, discussed AI’s role in Africa’s growth with Akim Benamara. He emphasized that AI must be adapted to Africa’s needs, making the continent a driver of AI innovation. AI is accelerating change, particularly in agriculture and telecom. Cuvellier also highlighted challenges for startups, including funding and regulatory barriers. While Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are key hubs, emerging markets like Tanzania, Uganda, and Senegal are gaining traction. He expressed optimism about Africa’s future, particularly in underserved sectors, and stressed the importance of closing the digital and gender divides.

“We are seeing AI everywhere, but I think what’s important in Africa in particular is just how to make AI work for Africa, how to make AI originate from Africa, and also how to make sure that it is safer, and that Africa is a driver of AI as opposed to just a follower.” 
– Max Cuvellier-Giacomelli, Head of Mobile for Development, GSMA 

Roque Lozano, Senior VP of Network Infrastructure for MEA at Nokia, discussed the company’s role in advancing AI-powered connectivity in Africa. He explained Nokia’s approach to AI, emphasizing its transformative potential to optimize network operations. Nokia’s fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions, combining 4G, 5G, and fiber, aim to expand broadband access in underserved regions, particularly in Africa. 

Lozano highlighted the importance of high-performance network infrastructure to support AI-driven services. He also introduced Nokia’s Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform, optimizing data center operations. With AI, Nokia aims to close the digital divide, ensuring reliable connectivity for digital transformation across industries.

“There are multiple domains in this space, but one of the most meaningful, in my view, is the solution we launched last year—our Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform. With EDA, we’re not just improving connectivity inside the data center—what we call the data center fabric—with next-generation switches and microchips. We’re also automating that connectivity to ensure that software developers, whether focused on monetization or utilizing the data center, are not constrained by the complexity of communication.”
– Roque Lozano, Senior VP of Network Infrastructure for MEA, Nokia

Titan.ium Platform’s CEO, Bruno Lacoste, discussed the company’s focus on delivering automation-driven solutions that add real business value. With a modular approach and AI integration, Titan.ium is helping telecom operators modernize infrastructure while maintaining flexibility. The company is driving the industry’s shift toward intelligent automation, real-time AI applications, and zero-touch networks. Titanium’s solutions are designed to tackle challenges across regions, providing a future-proof approach to telecom operations, particularly in emerging markets.

“You hear AI everywhere at MWC, but at Titanium, we’re focused on how it actually improves telecom operations. We use AI for predictive maintenance, smart routing, and intelligent defense. The difference is, we’re not just using AI for backend data processing—we’re applying it in real-time, making networks smarter as they operate.” 
– Bruno Lacoste, CEO of Titan.ium Platform

Before MWC Barcelona, we spoke with John Mills from Perception TVCDN to discuss how their platform is revolutionizing content delivery.  We explored how their approach reduces costs, enhances performance, and introduces new revenue models for telcos, content creators, and enterprises. Read on to discover how they’re redefining digital entertainment.

Perception TVCDN  has long been at the forefront of streaming innovation, offering a unified, next-generation TV delivery platform that integrates CDN technology with IPTV-grade functionality. Over the years, we’ve seen a gap in the market for a platform that could go beyond streaming and integrate interactive and transactional capabilities.

Rapido was conceived as a response to this need—a superapp that will merge OTT TV, e-gaming, e-commerce, and generative AI into a single ecosystem. With Perception’s expertise in content distribution and Rapido’s vision for an all-in-one digital entertainment hub, it’s the platform that not only delivers content but will also enable new revenue models for telcos, content creators, and enterprises.

Read the full interview >>

Fabio Pigo, CEO and Co-founder of Rapido TV, discussed the newly announced partnership with Perception TVCDN. This collaboration leverages Perception’s robust B2B technology to power Rapido’s next-generation streaming platform. Positioned as a free, ad-supported service with plans for subscription models, Rapido focuses on optimizing the streaming experience in low-bandwidth environments, particularly in emerging markets like Africa. With a mix of local and international content, Rapido is set to redefine the entertainment experience and disrupt the streaming space.

“Streaming is a massive opportunity, but it’s also a highly competitive space with many well-established, reputable players. Our challenge was to carve out our own niche—to find our edge. And I believe we’ve done just that. We’re positioning Rapido as a next-generation app, starting with live TV channels and video-on-demand, but with a unique approach that sets us apart. And this is just the beginning—there’s even more exciting things to come.”  
– Fabio Pigo, CEO and Co-founder of Rapido 

Frans Blommestein, CCO of MwareTV, highlighted the launch of the no-code app builder and AI-driven tools like the AI Assistant and AI Navigator, enhancing operator efficiency and decision-making. With a focus on scalability, MwareTV’s system now supports up to one million logins per second, ensuring seamless experiences. These innovations aim to reduce costs and improve user engagement.

“We built a highly scalable tool, capable of handling up to one million login attempts per second. Scalability is crucial, especially for major operators, so last quarter, we focused on enhancing it. We have built a future-proof system, I believe so.”  
– Frans Blommestein, Chief Commercial Officer at MwareTV   

At MWC 2025, Whale Cloud showcased its open platforms and AI-driven solutions, including Fiber-as-a-Service and the Digital Experience Platform. Sami Muhammad Salman, Director of Business Development, discussed how these innovations help telcos customize and future-proof their operations. The company also deepened its partnership with Alipay+ to create super apps that integrate telecom and fintech, with Gavin Liu, Director of Wallet Tech, Ant International, explaining how super apps are driving financial inclusion and mobile payments, especially in Africa.

At MWC 2025, Simon Gatty Saunt, VP of Sales Europe & Africa at SES, showcased the company’s innovations in satellite technology, including their multi-orbit solutions. SES’s M-Power satellite constellation and SD-WAN orchestration aim to optimize connectivity for African businesses and bridge the digital divide. With 40 years in Africa, SES is focused on enhancing digital inclusion, particularly in landlocked regions, by providing satellite connectivity to remote villages. SES also integrates Edge AI and IoT to support sectors like mining, agriculture, and offshore energy, driving business growth across the continent.

“We’re integrating cloud solutions from major providers like Azure, Oracle, and Google Cloud to ensure seamless connectivity for businesses. Industrial IoT is only going to grow, and our role is to enable this transformation with robust, reliable satellite solutions.” 
– Simon Gatty Saunt, VP of Sales Europe & Africa at SES 

Spectronite’s CEO Jean-Philippe Fournier showcased its next-gen microwave backhaul radios, designed to solve the 5G deployment challenge in areas without fiber. By shifting from hardware-heavy systems to software-defined solutions, Spectronite offers greater flexibility, efficiency, and future-proof performance. With 98% spectrum utilization and a 20x capacity boost, its technology optimizes network performance while reducing environmental impact. Using AI-powered network optimization and virtualized spectrum management, Spectronite is leading the charge in modernizing wireless infrastructure.

“A large part of our value lies in our software. We can dynamically control the spectrum via software, enabling operators to switch channels on and off as needed. This is a major breakthrough in virtualized spectrum management. “
– Jean-Philippe Fournier, CEO, Spectronite