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President Paul Kagame has called on African governments, private sector players, and development partners to harmonise digital policies and create an enabling environment for innovation across the continent.
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali 2025, President Kagame said Africa has made remarkable progress in digital connectivity, evolving “from limited access to a mobile-driven economy” within just a few years.
He noted that broadband, smartphones, and mobile applications have become powerful tools transforming commerce, education, healthcare, and financial services.
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“To connect people and foster real transformation, we must align our efforts. Governments, the private sector, and other partners must harmonise policies to create the right environment for innovation,” Kagame said.
He pointed to mobile banking as one of the most successful innovations to emerge from Africa, describing it as “a global model of financial inclusion.” The President said this innovation has empowered small business owners and women entrepreneurs while linking rural communities to the broader economy.
“This initiative proves that innovation does not belong to one part of the world alone. It can come from anyone, anywhere,” he emphasised.
President Kagame highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence, smart devices, and next-generation networks in reshaping industries and unlocking new opportunities. However, he cautioned that Africa’s digital divide still poses a major risk to inclusive growth.
“Despite the progress we have made, only a fraction of Africans are connected compared to the global average. If this gap persists, the same technology meant to expand access will instead widen inequality,” he warned.
Kagame said the most urgent conversation Africa must have is about people — ensuring that digital skills and tools reach everyone, especially the youth.
The Rwandan leader shared that his country’s approach to digital transformation is anchored in its vision to build a knowledge-based economy. Rwanda is integrating artificial intelligence into national planning, investing in research, human capital development, and digital infrastructure to boost productivity and improve public service delivery.
“We are integrating artificial intelligence into our planning, prioritising research and human capital development to boost productivity and improve public service delivery,” Kagame noted.
President Kagame also underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation to drive Africa’s digital transformation. He said harmonising data systems, payment networks, and digital regulations would enable secure and seamless connectivity between African economies.
He commended ongoing efforts by the African Union, regional blocs, and Smart Africa to reduce costs, cut barriers, and advance the creation of a single digital market for the continent.
“Such cooperation will scale African solutions globally while retaining their value here,” Kagame said. “The future we must build is an Africa that is bold, connected, and competitive.”
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