President Paul Kagame has called for stronger collaboration and investment to bridge Africa’s digital divide, urging policymakers and industry leaders to scale up reforms and innovation that can unlock the continent’s full digital potential.
Speaking at the 2025 Mobile World Congress (#MWC25) in Barcelona, Kagame said Africa has undergone a remarkable transformation from limited connectivity to a vibrant, mobile-driven economy, largely powered by homegrown innovation.
“In just a few years, Africa has gone from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy. Mobile money is a good example of this. What began as a solution for those excluded from formal banking has grown into a global model of financial inclusion,” he said.
“This initiative proves that innovation does not belong to one part of the world alone. It can emerge anywhere, from anyone, given the chance.”
On the sidelines of the summit, President Kagame met with leaders of Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, and Orange — members of the G6 alliance, a coalition of Africa’s top mobile network operators working with the GSMA to advance digital transformation on the continent. Their joint agenda focuses on driving policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and environmental sustainability to foster inclusive growth.
Kagame also held talks with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), on strengthening digital connectivity, boosting innovation, and mobilizing investment in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
The engagements reflect Rwanda’s continued leadership in championing digital inclusion and positioning Africa as a global player in technology and innovation.
