In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, John Giusti, GSMA’s Deputy Director General, reflected on the summit’s evolution and the organisation’s strategy to make digital access more inclusive.
“This is my fifth time in Kigali, and it’s always fantastic,” Giusti said. “There’s so much energy. Rwanda has really been a leader, from President Paul Kagame to ICT Minister Paula Ingabire in driving digital transformation both nationally and across Africa.”
Since its debut three years ago, MWC Kigali has evolved from a regional gathering into a major platform showcasing Africa’s digital transformation. Each year, the summit has expanded its focus from mobile connectivity and broadband coverage to fintech innovations, network security, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the continent’s growing role in the global tech ecosystem.
Today, MWC Kigali not only convenes industry leaders but also drives concrete initiatives, such as affordable 4G smartphones and AI solutions in African languages, positioning itself at the forefront of digital inclusion.
According to Giusti, one of the most significant milestones has been the expansion of mobile broadband coverage.
“We’ve moved from a point in 2017 where 34% of Africa’s population lacked coverage to today, where only 9% are not connected. This reflects the commitment of operators and supportive government policies,” he noted.
{{Tackling smartphone affordability
}}
A central theme of MWC Kigali 2025 is handset affordability. The GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, launched in collaboration with six major operators Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom, aims to reduce the cost of entry-level 4G devices.
“The biggest barrier to connectivity is the cost of the device,” Giusti explained. “We brought together operators, device manufacturers, and institutions like the International Telecommunication Union and the World Bank to develop concrete solutions to make smartphones more accessible.”
The coalition has now defined baseline specifications for affordable yet functional 4G smartphones, ensuring devices are both practical and desirable for consumers, whether for business, social life, or daily use. Giusti added that partnerships with governments will be crucial, particularly in reducing taxes and offering innovative financing solutions to lower costs further.
South Africa’s removal of luxury taxes on smartphones priced under USD 150 serves as a model for other countries.
“Smartphones are no longer a luxury; they are a basic necessity, like bread or vegetables,” Giusti said. “Fair taxation policies are essential to ensure everyone can access digital tools.”
{{Closing Africa’s connectivity gap
}}
While lowering device costs is key, the GSMA acknowledges other challenges, including digital skills and relevant local content. Only 0.02% of online content is currently available in Africa’s many languages, highlighting the need for content development in native tongues. MWC Kigali 2025 addresses this by exploring AI in African languages, energy resilience, and other initiatives that complement connectivity efforts.
Looking ahead, Giusti emphasised the potential for Africa’s young population to drive innovation: “Seventy percent of Africa’s population is under 30. More people are entering the job market, but too many are still not connected digitally. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can participate in the digital economy.”
MWC Kigali 2025 will conclude on Thursday. The summit continues to serve as a vital platform for public-private collaboration, driving initiatives that aim to make the continent more connected and digitally inclusive.
Watch the full exclusive interview with the GSMA executive below.
Leave a Reply