This keynote opens MWC Kigali with a future-first vision for Africa’s digital trajectory. Leaders will explore how technologies such as AI, 5G, green tech, and fintech are driving growth, while highlighting the infrastructure, skills, and policies needed to ensure inclusive transformation.

Speakers:

• Vivek Badrinath, Director General, GSMA
• Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General, ITU
• Ralph Mupita, CEO, MTN Group
• Sunil Taldar, CEO, Airtel Africa
• Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO, Ethio Telecom
• Yasser Shaker, CEO, Orange Middle East and Africa
• Hassan Jaber, CEO, AXIAN Telecom

Moderator:
Angela Wamola, Head of Africa, GSMA

Ministerial Programme

Africa is at a pivotal moment where digitalisation, powered by AI, can drive structural reform and inclusive growth. This session examines how technology, policy, and investment can close usage gaps, boost productivity, and unlock tech-enabled prosperity across the continent.

Speakers:

• Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Republic of Rwanda
• Vivek Badrinath, Director General, GSMA
• Angela Wamola, Head of Africa, GSMA

Ministerial Programme

Millions across Africa remain offline despite available broadband. This session explores solutions to tackle affordability, digital literacy, and infrastructure gaps, ensuring universal, meaningful connectivity for all.

Speakers:

• Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General, ITU
• John Omo, Secretary General, ATU
• John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer & President of the GSMA Foundation, GSMA
• Caroline Mbugua HSC, Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications, GSMA

Panelists:

• Daud Elvin Suleman, Director General, MACRA
• Yasser Shaker, CEO, Orange Middle East and Africa
• Mercy Ndegwa, Director of Public Policy, East & Horn of Africa, Meta

Moderator:
Akim Benamara, Founder & Chief Editor, TechAfrica News

Ministerial Programme

As Africa takes a larger role globally, this session examines how international collaboration and initiatives, from the G20 to regional partnerships, can drive investment, innovation, AI inclusion, and accountability to advance Africa’s digital transformation.

Speakers:

• Bocar A. Ba, Chief Executive Officer, SAMENA Telecommunications Council
• Lacina Koné, Director General & Chief Executive Officer, Smart Africa

AI is reshaping economies and public services across Africa. This session explores how Africa-focused AI, developed by Africans, can address bias, bridge data gaps, and build inclusive systems that reflect the continent’s diversity.

Speakers:

• Pelonomi Moiloa, CEO & Co-founder, Lelapa
• Josephine Mukesha, Director General, National Identification Agency

This session explores how telecoms support enterprises in applying AI and IoT across sectors, from agriculture and fintech to healthcare and smart utilities, driving inclusive economic growth.

Speakers:

• Jamie Collinson, CEO, iSDA
• Saad Syed, CEO, Chenosis
• Mercy Ndegwa, Director of Public Policy, Meta, East & Horn of Africa

Moderator:
Kitso Lemo, Associate Director, Boston Consulting Group

This session explores how technology, entrepreneurship, and media innovation are shaping the continent’s creative economy, from streaming and gaming to digital art, while addressing challenges in monetization, IP, and distribution.

Speakers:

• Louis Manu, Co-founder & CEO, Wi-flix
• Sophie Tchatchoua, CEO, CANAL+ Rwanda

Inclusive connectivity is key to closing Africa’s digital divide, enabling access to education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. This session explores how infrastructure, policies, and investment, alongside local talent and digital skills, can empower startups and drive scalable solutions across the continent.

Speakers:

• Faeza Asad Khan, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Abacus
• Esther Kunda, Director General, Innovation and Emerging Technologies, MINICT
• Nakami Walunywa, Regional Director, Africa, Village Capital
• Alain Maupin, Vice President & Head of Customer Unit East & North Africa, Ericsson