MWC 2025 Day One: The Big Moves, Bold Ideas & What’s Next

MWC 2025 has officially kicked off—and what a start it was. As the doors opened, the energy and excitement palpable. The world’s biggest and most influential connectivity event wasted no time in making its mark. From tech titans to ambitious startups, policymakers to industry disruptors, thousands of attendees flooded the halls, ready to witness the future unfold. MWC 2025 opened with a sense of prestige and global significance, further elevated by the presence of His Majesty, the King of Spain, Felipe VI, underscoring the event’s impact as a hub for innovation, policy, and the future of connectivity.

Keynotes set the tone with bold visions for AI-powered networks, 5G expansion, and the first glimpses into 6G. Exhibition floors were alive with cutting-edge showcases—telcos unveiling next-gen solutions, fintechs redefining mobile finance, and satellite players proving that no place is too remote for connectivity.

The TechAfrica News team was right in the heart of it all, capturing the essence of a day filled with groundbreaking announcements and industry-defining discussions—conversing with industry leaders, visiting cutting-edge exhibitions, and attending the most talked-about keynotes.

And the best part? This is just the beginning. If today was anything to go by, the rest of MWC 2025 is set to be a rollercoaster of revelations, debates, and game-changing innovations. Buckle up—this week is going to be one for the books.

“MWC is more than just an event—it’s where the future of connectivity takes shape. Day One set the stage with bold ideas, groundbreaking innovations, and real conversations. The energy here is electric, and it’s clear that the decisions made this week will shape the industry for years to come.“

– Akim Benamara, Founder and Chief Editor, TechAfrica News

The opening keynote was delivered by Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, who set the tone for MWC 2025 by outlining the industry’s most pressing priorities. He emphasized the need to complete the transition to 5G Standalone, unlock new revenue models, and harness AI and Open Gateway APIs for sustainable growth.  

Granryd also highlighted the urgent need to close the mobile usage gap, with 3.1 billion people covered by mobile networks but not using mobile internet. Addressing this issue could unlock a $3.5 trillion economic opportunity, making digital inclusion a key focus for the future.  

MWC 2025 continues to serve as the ultimate meeting point for global industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. With over 50% of attendees coming from outside the mobile ecosystem, the event underscores how connectivity is driving transformation across industries.  

“Our industry connects nearly six billion people, and powers economies worldwide. And, at MWC, over 50% of attendees come from outside the mobile ecosystem, a clear signal that industries recognise the vast opportunities our networks create. This week will shine a light on those opportunities – from 5G to AI and many more – and their role in helping us unlock new markets, drive innovation, and shape the future of the global digital economy. Only at MWC will you find such a unique combination of exhibition, thought leaders, startups and policymakers, creating a space where innovation flows and business gets done.”  

– Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA 

Coinciding with the event, the GSMA also released its Mobile Economy Report 2025,  providing key insights into the future of the mobile industry. With interesting findings shaping the conversation, the report revealed that mobile technologies and services contributed $6.5 trillion to global GDP in 2024, a figure expected to soar to $11 trillion by 2030. The world is also witnessing an acceleration in 5G adoption, with global connections surpassing two billion by the end of 2024 and projected to account for 57% of total mobile connections by 2030. Meanwhile, the digital divide continues to narrow, as 4.7 billion people—58% of the global population—used mobile internet by the end of last year, with that number expected to grow to 5.5 billion by 2030.  

Industry leaders also took the stage to explore the evolving role of telecom operators in the digital age. In the keynote session “Beyond Connectivity: The Telco to Techco Transformation,” Ralph Mupita, Group President & CEO of MTN, joined Hatem Dowidar from e& and Makoto Takahashi from KDDI Corporation in a discussion facilitated by Lara Dewar, CMO of GSMA. The conversation focused on how AI, Cloud, and 5G Standalone are reshaping the telecom industry, driving digital and financial inclusion, and unlocking new business models across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and mining.  

Mupita underscored MTN’s commitment to transforming lives, pointing to its three-platform strategy—Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure—as key to enhancing home connectivity, empowering SMEs, and building Africa’s digital highways.  

Meanwhile, AXIAN Telecom’s Chief Commercial Officer, Linda Kouam, took the stage at the MWC Barcelona 2025 Ministerial Programme, speaking in the session “What About the Other Half? Clearing Persistent Roadblocks to Digital Inclusion”. With over 43 million customers across Sub-Saharan Africa, AXIAN Telecom reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the digital divide. 

Kouam addressed the growing usage gap, warning that it is widening the development and educational divide. She urged governments, mobile network operators, and stakeholders to take immediate action to expand digital access.  

The Africa Group of Six (G6) Mobile Network Operators—Airtel Africa, Axian Group, Ethio Telecom, MTN Group, Orange Middle East and Africa, and Vodacom Group—convened alongside GSMA Africa, and Smart Africa to reaffirm their commitment to accelerating digital transformation across the continent. The high-level meeting in Barcelona marked a significant milestone in their collective efforts to drive fiscal policy reforms, expand broadband infrastructure, and advance environmental sustainability. 

With GSMA and Smart Africa playing key roles, the G6 emphasized that Africa’s digital transformation is not merely about increasing connectivity. It is about creating real opportunities—from education and healthcare to financial inclusion and economic growth—ensuring that digital access translates into tangible socio-economic progress. By harnessing strategic partnerships, data-driven insights, and cutting-edge innovation, the G6 aims to shape a future where no one is left behind in Africa’s digital revolution.  

“A unified, harmonized approach to regulation is key to Africa’s digital future. Breaking down silos, fostering innovation, and ensuring trust will unlock investment and create a seamless digital economy. Through initiatives like Smart Africa Trust Alliance (SATA), OAN, Smart Africa Digital Academy – SADA, CAR, and ANCA, Smart Africa is driving regulatory convergence for a stronger, more connected continent”   

-Lacina Koné, CEO, Smart Africa  

In another major partnership announcement, e& has joined Aduna’s global network API ecosystem, further expanding opportunities for innovation, security, and monetization across 20 countries in emerging markets. The partnership, announced by e& Group CEO Hatem Dowidar during his keynote at MWC25, strengthens Aduna’s global platform by integrating e&’s network APIs across operations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe, ensuring developers worldwide can leverage standardized network features to enhance service quality, security, and fraud prevention.  

MWC 2025 is proving to be a launchpad for cutting-edge innovations, with major players unveiling next-generation solutions set to redefine connectivity and digital transformation. 

Thuraya, the satellite mobility arm of Space42, introduced Thuraya One, an Android 14 smartphone with built-in satellite capabilities, designed to keep users connected even beyond cellular coverage. This innovation highlights the growing importance of satellite technology in bridging connectivity gaps. 

Huawei Cloud made waves with the launch of its Cloud Device; a solution aimed at transforming carrier innovation in the 5G era. As telecom operators shift from 2G to 5G, the need for enhanced storage and computing power is critical. Huawei’s Cloud Device modernizes business models, diversifies service offerings, and improves user experience, setting a new standard for carrier-driven cloud transformation. 

Meanwhile, ZTE took center stage with a showcase of AI-integrated solutions under the theme “Catalyzing Intelligent Innovation.” The company is demonstrating AI-powered networks, intelligent computing, and next-gen devices designed to push the boundaries of connectivity. With a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency, ZTE is reinforcing its position at the forefront of AI-driven telecom evolution. 

As the dust settles on an electrifying Day One, one thing is clear—MWC 2025 is not just about showcasing technology; it’s about shaping the future.   

“MWC 2025 is proving that the future of telecom isn’t just about faster networks—it’s about reshaping industries, bridging the digital divide, and unlocking new opportunities through AI, cloud, and 5G. The conversations happening here aren’t just visionary; they’re setting the course for real, transformative change. It’s great to see and document these pivotal moments as they unfold.”  

– Joyce Onyeagoro, Editor, TechAfrica News

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.

With the momentum already sky-high, Day Two promises even more breakthroughs, bold discussions, and industry-shaping announcements. The future is being written in real-time, and TechAfrica News will be right at the center of it all—bringing you the key insights, standout moments, and the voices driving change. 

Keynote 7: Tech Game Changers | 09:30 – 11:00 CET | MWC Main Stage, Hall 4 |  

A deep dive into breakthrough innovations reshaping connectivity, cloud computing, and AI, featuring industry leaders shaping the next wave of digital transformation. 

Are Telecom Giants Letting SMEs Down? | 09:45 – 10:30 CET | Johnson Stage, Hall 6 |  

A critical discussion on whether telcos are meeting the needs of SMEs or if affordability, service accessibility, and policy gaps are holding them back. 

The Future of Mobile – There’s More to Protect | 09:50 – 10:20 CET | MWC Broadcast Stage, Hall 4 |  

As mobile security threats grow, experts break down the latest risks and what the industry must do to protect users and networks. 

The Role and Impact of AI Ecosystem Innovators | 12:30 – 13:30 CET | GSMA Knowledge Zone A, Hall 8.1 – 4YFN |  

A spotlight on AI-driven solutions tackling challenges in education, healthcare, and social services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 

AI vs. Human Ingenuity: Who Will Design the Networks of the Future? | 13:15 – 14:15 CET | Marconi Stage, Hall 6 |  

With AI rapidly evolving, this session explores whether the future of network design will be led by human expertise, AI, or a fusion of both. 

Are Telcos Behind the AI Curve? | 14:45 – 15:45 CET | Turing Stage, Hall 6 | 

A hard-hitting look at whether telecom operators are fully embracing AI or lagging behind as other industries push forward with automation and intelligent services.