Themes at MWC26 Kigali

Africa is entering a new era where advanced connectivity and artificial intelligence converge to drive inclusive growth and innovation. Rapid expansion in mobile access and smartphone adoption has connected millions to the digital economy, transforming how people access services, markets and opportunities. 

As 5G networks scale across the continent, Africa now has the infrastructure needed to support growing data-driven technologies and next-generation services. AI is accelerating this momentum, with the potential to double Africa’s GDP growth rate by 2035 by boosting productivity, enabling smarter industries, and addressing local challenges in areas such as healthcare, finance, agriculture and sustainability. 

Powered by a tech-native population and growing digital ecosystems, Africa’s future is being mapped out by local innovation. With continued investment in skills, collaboration and responsible AI, the continent is well positioned to emerge as a global leader in intelligent, connected growth. 

Africa’s fintech ecosystem has become a cornerstone of economic diversification and resilience, rethinking how people, businesses and governments participate in commerce. Powered by widespread mobile adoption, fintech innovation has transformed payments, lending, savings and cross-border trade, unlocking financial access at scale and enabling new commercial opportunities across the continent – as interoperable systems reduce fragmentation across markets and platforms.

Emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, cloud and open APIs are redesigning Africa’s financial infrastructure, improving efficiency, security and transparency while enabling interoperability between banks, mobile money operators, fintech and merchants. This seamless integration of financial services into everyday commerce – from digital wallets and embedded finance to e-commerce platforms and SME marketplaces – is accelerating formalisation, empowering entrepreneurs and enabling Africa’s fast-growing digital consumer economy.

As digital transformation continues, fintech’s role extends beyond finance to become a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable commerce. By fostering collaboration, strengthening regulation, and advancing interoperable frameworks that support scale and cross-border trade, Africa’s fintech and commerce ecosystem is positioned to drive the next phase of economic growth - one that is connected, inclusive and built for the future.

Africa’s digital connectivity is leading towards a new frontier of innovation, driving transformation across critical sectors including healthcare, manufacturing and education. With expanding broadband access, mobile-first solutions and cloud-based platforms, digital technologies are enabling more inclusive access to services, improving productivity and unlocking new economic opportunities across the continent.

In healthcare, connected technologies are extending access to care through telemedicine, digital health records and AI-enabled diagnostics. In manufacturing, connectivity is powering smarter factories, resilient supply chains and greater participation in regional and global trade. Across education, digital platforms are expanding access to learning, equipping young people with future-ready skills and nurturing the next generation of innovators.

As Africa’s tech-native population embraces rapidly evolving technologies, innovation is accelerating across industries and cultures, from creative economies to advanced digital services. The next chapter of Africa’s digital transformation will be defined by how sectors collaborate, how talent is empowered and how connectivity is leveraged responsibly to build scalable, inclusive and globally competitive digital ecosystems.