This year’s online event from September 28-30 will bring together decision-makers from across Africa’s vibrant mobile ecosystem to explore how technology and connectivity can lead the global recovery
Together with founding partners MasterCard, MTN, Orange and, ZTE, the organization will convene Africa’s mobile leaders at Africa’s most connected and influential technology event.
MWC21 Africa will bring together the leading names from business and technology to become the continent’s most connected and influential event.
This premier event is part of the GSMA’s flagship series of MWC events, which includes editions in Barcelona, Shanghai and Los Angeles
The theme for MWC Africa 2021 is “Powering a Continent”.
During the next three days at MWC2021 over 100 keynote speakers will inspire, provoke and explore the potential impact of 5G and showcase how the mobile ecosystem is sparking conversation and imagination – powering a better future.
Among the notable speakers are Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Government of Rwanda; Lacina Koné Director-General, Smart Africa; John Omo, Secretary General, African Telecommunications Union; Stéphane Richard, GSMA Board Chairman and CEO Orange; Alioune Ndiaye, Chief Executive Officer, Orange Middle East and Africa; Shameel Joosub, CEO, Vodacom Group; Yolanda Cuba, Group VP Southern and East Africa Region, MTN Group; Michael Foley, Regional Director – Francophone Region, Airtel Africa; Amnah Ajmanl, EVP, Market Development, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard.
Expected reports on mobile trends and usage
Eagerly anticipated industry reports are launching this week at MWC Africa. These include the State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2021, the Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa and the Roadmaps for 5G Spectrum: Sub-Saharan Africa. The reports consider the latest data, forecasts, and trends for the region and include a range of policy recommendations that highlight considerations governments and regulators need to explore in the planning for 5G. These reports ultimately aim to ensure that mobile internet makes the best possible contribution to the regional economy, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the ever pressing usage gap.
“Mobile connectivity is a vital enabler of economic and social development across Africa, particularly in developing countries. Delivering on mobile’s true potential relies on public and private stakeholders coming together to reduce barriers to digital inclusion. This includes ensuring consumer affordability and creating a favourable legislative environment that encourages operators to continue further investment programmes that accelerate our digital economy,” said Angela Wamola, Acting Head Sub Saharan Africa, GSMA.
“We are collaborating with governments in countries across Africa to develop legislation that boosts connectivity, economic growth, investment, and fiscal stability – ultimately creating Connected Impact for citizens across the continent”
