MWC Kigali 2023 is a platform that leaves no one offline-Minister Paula

By Elias Hakizimana.

As the Second edition of Mobile World Congress-MWC Kigali-2023 takes place in Rwanda, different officials and industry players have showed significant strides made so far unlike the long journey ahead to connect the majority of Africans to the internet.

In her remarks, Hon. Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire explained this year’s MWC as a platform to define the way forward and faster for more inclusive connected and prosperous Africa that leaves no one offline.

“The first mobile phone call in Africa was made in 1987, almost 40 years later, we have seen incredible growth across Africa, with half a billion people using mobile phone. By the end of 2030, Mobile phone users in Africa are expected to reach 50 percent, yet there is still a long way to go. The MWC Kigali 2023 is a platform to define the way forward and faster for more inclusive connected and prosperous Africa that leaves no one offline.” Ingabire said.

The MWC largest most influential connectivity event is being hosted by Rwanda the second time at continental level, bringing together various dignitaries including eight (8) ministers from Central African Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia, other policy makers and mobile operators from across the continent.

Last October, MWC was held for the first time in Africa, and embarked on the role of technology as catalyst to development. It also highlighted the rationale of fostering innovations, accelerating entrepreneurship, creating jobs as well as accelerating learning, education and health outcomes.

“This year’s MWC is poised to be exciting continuation as we unpark this year’s partnered theme “Unleashing tomorrow’s technology today’ over the next couple of days. Everyday, new challenges chase our humanity, just as much it is our need to understand and adopt technology. New products and new services emerge from these challenges to empower our people, this year’s theme provides an opportunity to lean more about technology solutions available today and on the horizon that can ensure no African is left behind by being connected and finding utility in the greater access to the internet.” Minister Ingabire said.

“Over 2500 participants from all over the continent have the common ambition of ensuring Africa is a present player in harnessing the latest technologies as we address our pressing challenges, but also as we build sustainably, resiliently and inclusive futures. Today we stand the blink of technological innovations that are no doubt fundamentally reshaping our word in the future. These include 5G technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of things, big data, and other emerging technologies hold the power to transform lives.” She added.

Minister Ingabire expressed commitment to overcome the barriers and challenges to technological adoption in Africa.

“At the end of these three days, I hope we will have gained immense insights on how to address emerging challenges, swiftly using future technologies and innovating in areas such as Green Tech, AgriTech, EdTech and HealthTech among others. In Rwanda, we remain committed to driving policies that foster a conducive and enabling environment for innovation and investment in present and future technologies in collaboration with public and private partners.” She said.

Minister Ingabire commends the efforts by the sponsors of the MWC Kigali 2023 gathering, that include MTN, Orange, ZTE, Mastercard Foundation, AXION, Deloid, Detecon, Ericson, Safaricom and USAID among others.

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