The GSMA, a global organisation uniting mobile operators and companies across the mobile ecosystem, has announced the return of MWC Kigali, the African continent’s largest and most influential connectivity event, taking place from 21 to 23 October 2025.

Hosted in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda, the event will bring together regional and global leaders to foster cross-border collaboration, investment, and policy dialogue in support of Africa’s digital transformation.

New for 2025, MWC Kigali will see the launch of the GSMA Ministerial Programme, a flagship initiative from MWC Barcelona.

The programme will convene policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to engage in dialogue on key policy and regulatory issues that will shape Africa’s digital future.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Airtel’s CEO, Sunil Taldar; AXIAN Telecom’s CEO, Hassan Jaber; Ethiotel’s CEO, Frehiwot Tamiru; MTN’s CEO, Ralph Mupita; Orange’s EVP and CEO for the Middle East and Africa, Yasser Shaker; and Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon. Paula Ingabire, with further speakers to be announced.

Attendees can expect a dynamic show floor featuring a wide range of exhibitors and partners, including AXIAN Telecom, Ethiotel, Huawei, Meta, MTN, Orange, TerraPay, Telcoin and ZTE.

The dedicated Mobile for Development (M4D) Theatre will return as a platform for panels and discussions covering topics such as AI, mobile money, humanitarian innovation, agriculture, climate, and digital inclusion.

MWC Kigali’s thought leadership programme will explore themes central to Africa’s digital development, including the Connected Continent, The AI Future, Fintech, and Africa’s Digital Frontier.

In response to growing demand for sector-specific insights, the event will also host a series of focused summits on fintech, 5G, and, for the first time, a Security Summit.

Registration is now open for those interested in attending.

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Africa, based on image by MWC Kigali