The 2023 edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC) kicked off at Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda, today, under the theme “Velocity: Unleashing tomorrow’s technology.
MWC is Africa’s most influential connectivity event, organized by the GSMA, a trade body for the technology communications and connectivity sector.
GSMA is a non-profit industry organization representing the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. It hosts the Mobile World Congress events across the world. MWC 2023 runs from October 17th to October 19th, 2023.
This conference brings together companies from various tech sectors and other industries looking to benefit from the digital transformation, whether they’re based in Africa or abroad.
It includes important meetings and discussions, including the Africa Health tech Summit, the Policy Leaders Forum, and the Better Future Stage.
These gatherings will explore topics like reducing the gap in digital access, using mobile technology to improve society and the economy, and making industries support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Global mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors, and content owners from 75 countries will be in attendance.
Collaborating for a Connected Africa
During the event’s opening, the CEOs of six major African mobile network companies discussed how they can work more closely with African governments to make the internet and mobile technology better for everyone on the continent.
They discussed this with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and Ms. Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of Information and Communications.
The CEOs recognized the progress made by the mobile industry in line with global and continental goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2063, and Smart Africa’s plan to create a Single Digital Market by 2030.
They further stated that Africa can become a well-connected and active continent with the help of accessible mobile technology.
They believe it’s possible, but achieving this goal will need strong political support from both current and future partnerships.
Keynote speakers include Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the ITU, and John Omo, Secretary General of the Africa Telecommunication Union.
The event also features top executives like Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN, and Jerome Henique, CEO of Orange Africa.
MWC 2023 also provides an opportunity for different tech companies to feature their products and services through its exhibition space.