(3 Minutes Read)
President Paul Kagame met with executives from Africa’s leading mobile network operators on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25), reaffirming his commitment to advancing digital inclusion and innovation across the continent.
The meeting brought together representatives from Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, and Orange—members of the G6 Group, an alliance of Africa’s foremost telecom companies working collectively to drive digital transformation. The G6 operates in partnership with the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), which represents mobile operators worldwide.
Together, the G6 members have a combined market value of approximately USD 193 billion. Bharti Airtel leads with an estimated USD 130 billion in market capitalization, followed by Orange S.A. at around USD 44 billion, and MTN Group at USD 17 billion. Axian Telecom and Ethio Telecom, which are privately held, are valued at about USD 1 billion and USD 1.4 billion, respectively.
Discussions centered on accelerating Africa’s digital transformation through coordinated efforts in policy reform, infrastructure investment, and environmental sustainability. The overarching goal, according to the Rwandan Presidency, is to bridge Africa’s digital divide by expanding access to affordable, reliable connectivity.
President Kagame emphasized the crucial role of public–private collaboration in ensuring Africa keeps pace with the global digital economy. He reiterated that connectivity and digital literacy are essential drivers of economic growth, innovation, and youth empowerment.
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The partnership between African telecom operators and the GSMA aims to unlock new opportunities across e-governance, financial inclusion, education, and green technologies, while ensuring that technological progress aligns with environmental goals. The engagement formed part of Rwanda’s broader participation at MWC25, where the country continues to highlight its leadership in ICT-driven development and regional digital cooperation.
