Africa must accelerate digital transformation to avoid being left behind — President Kagame
President Paul Kagame has emphasized that unless Africa takes concrete action to bridge gaps in connectivity and technology adoption, the continent will continue to face disparities compared to other parts of the world.
He made these remarks on October 21, 2025, while officially opening the Mobile World Congress (MWC), a three-day global technology conference being held in Kigali. The summit is organized by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), an organization that promotes innovation and growth in mobile technology.
President Kagame said Rwanda believes in the power of technology to connect people and drive development. He recalled how far Africa has come from a time when connectivity was limited to a point where mobile phones now play a key role in building the continent’s economy.
He stated, “Broadband connectivity and modern mobile phones have become essentials of daily life, driving progress in business, education, and finance. Mobile Money is a good example.”
The President highlighted that Mobile Money has contributed immensely to Africa’s economy, creating over $1 trillion in value over the past decade, with more than 700 million Africans now accessing financial services through mobile phones.
He explained that what began as a solution for those excluded from traditional banking systems has now evolved into one of the world’s leading tools for advancing inclusive financial services.
President Kagame further noted that these innovations have empowered small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as women and rural entrepreneurs, helping to expand local economies.
He added, “These initiatives demonstrate that innovation should not be limited to one part of the world, it can and should be shared so that everyone benefits.”
The Head of State also spoke about the ongoing digital transformation globally, pointing to the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies that are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities.
However, he warned that despite progress, only a small proportion of Africans currently benefit from these technologies compared to the rest of the world. “If we do not act fast,” he cautioned, “this gap will only widen.”
He called for greater efforts to make digital skills and technological knowledge accessible to all citizens.
President Kagame said Rwanda is steadily advancing toward a knowledge-based economy through various initiatives, including integrating AI in national planning, prioritizing research, and building citizens’ capacity to enhance productivity and service delivery.
He emphasized that collaboration between governments, the private sector, and other partners is essential to foster innovation and design policies that support technological advancement.
He concluded that by deepening digital integration, Africa can ensure secure cross-border data and payment systems, strengthening the continent’s economic unity.
President Kagame also commended efforts by the African Union and other regional organizations to create a single digital market by reducing costs and regulatory barriers an approach he said will expand Africa’s technological footprint globally.
