GSMA and Pan-African Parliament Sign MoU to Advance Africa’s Digital Transformation
The two organizations formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during MWC25 in Kigali, signaling a shared commitment to narrowing Africa’s digital divide and building a connected future that benefits all citizens.
The GSMA has entered into a new partnership with the Pan-African Parliament aimed at strengthening digital governance, promoting human rights, and advancing inclusive digital transformation across the African continent. The two organizations formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during MWC25 in Kigali, signaling a shared commitment to narrowing Africa’s digital divide and building a connected future that benefits all citizens.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, and Angela Wamola O.G.W., Head of GSMA Africa. This partnership establishes a framework for sustained cooperation between policymakers and the private sector to ensure that Africa’s digital transformation is inclusive, secure, and aligned with democratic values.
Through this collaboration, GSMA and PAP will jointly advance African Union (AU) instruments related to digital rights, data protection, and cybersecurity. Their efforts will focus on three strategic areas: organizing joint sessions with national parliaments to discuss technology-related policy issues, partnering with AU organs and regional institutions to promote good governance, and leading advocacy and awareness campaigns on digital inclusion, safety, and rights.
The initiative comes at a pivotal time as Africa experiences rapid digital growth alongside widening gaps in connectivity, digital literacy, and data protection frameworks. By leveraging GSMA’s industry expertise and PAP’s legislative influence, the partnership aims to address these disparities while promoting responsible, rights-based digital development.
This MoU reinforces both institutions’ commitment to supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a digitally empowered Africa driven by innovation and inclusive growth. The collaboration also seeks to foster dialogue between governments, regulators, and private sector stakeholders to align technology adoption with good governance and democratic accountability.
By working together, GSMA and the Pan-African Parliament hope to create a safer, more equitable digital environment across Africa—one where connectivity enables opportunity, strengthens democracy, and safeguards the rights of every citizen.
