All is set for Rwanda’s thriving city of Kigali to host the prestigious Mobile World Congress (MWC), set to commence on October 17th as the country emerges as an exciting and innovative hub for mobile advancements.
The three-day event, which is running from the 17th to the 19th, will be held at the Kigali Convention Centre under the theme “Velocity: Unleashing tomorrow’s technology”,
This event, Africa’s most influential connectivity programme, has taken the global technology community by storm and will serve the African and international technology community interested in doing business in Africa by convening businesses from broad technology industries and other sectors standing to gain from the digital transformation.
The conference will also feature impactful summits and forums, including the Africa Healthtech Summit, Policy Leaders Forum, and Better Future Stage, delving into topics such as bridging the digital divide, leveraging mobile tech for socio-economic development, and aligning industries with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
MWC Kigali partners with the African Union, Africa CDC, and Smart Africa, co-locating all three critical and influential events to create the single most impactful gathering in the continent.
It is expected that global mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors, and content owners from 75 countries will be in attendance.
President Paul Kagame is expected to officiate the conference on October 17.
His participation is a mark of how Africa’s digital transformation journey is gaining momentum and empowering communities, governments, and businesses, according to GSMA’s Director General, Mats Granryd.
GSMA is a non-profit industry organisation representing the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. It hosts Mobile World Congress events across the world.
“As 4G moves forward and 5G emerges, frontier technologies offer huge potential, and fintech continues to connect millions within the formal economy for the first time. I am looking forward to three days of debate and inspiration with international industry leaders and high-level African policymakers,” Granryd told Mobile World Live.
Other keynote and leading speakers include Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of International Telecommunication Union (ITU), John Omo, Secretary General of the Africa Telecommunication Union, Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN, and Jerome Henique, CEO of Orange Africa, among others.
MWC Kigali 2023 also provides an opportunity for different tech companies to showcase their products and services through its exhibition space.
With charming streets lined with colourful buildings and a vibrant culture, Kigali may seem like an unconventional choice to host such a prominent event. However, it is precisely this unique blend of modernity and cultural richness that caught the attention of the MWC organisers. Seeking to break away from the convention of big metropolitan cities, they recognised the potential of Kigali to offer a fresh and inspiring backdrop for the congress.
As the congress kicks off on October 17th, attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in delectable local cuisine, explore the breathtaking landscapes surrounding the city, and immerse themselves in the rhythm of traditional Rwandan music and dance.
