MTN, Rwanda unite to accelerate Africa's AI vision

By Phathisani Moyo, Senior contributor
Johannesburg, 12 May 2025
...
Paula Ingabire, minister of information and communications technology.

MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita and Rwanda's Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, met last week to discuss major developments in Africa's ICT sector, including the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the continent.

Mupita’s courtesy call to the minister focused on the outcomes of the inaugural AI Africa Summit, hosted in Kigali in April 2025. The  summit marked a pivotal moment for the continent, reinforcing Africa’s resolve to play an active and leading role in the 4th Industrial Revolution

“The outcomes of the AI Africa Summit show that Africa is ready not just to participate, but to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said Ingabire, referencing the historic gathering that brought together some of the continent’s brightest minds in April 2025.

Mupita, recently named deputy chairperson of the GSMA, voiced MTN Group’s unwavering dedication to this cause. 

“MTN is proud to stand at the forefront of Africa’s digital evolution. We remain fully committed to MWC Africa 2025 and to accelerating the continent’s innovation agenda,” he said.

Scheduled again in Kigali, MWC Africa 2025 promises to unite policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs under a shared mission: inclusive connectivity and sustainable digital transformation. 

“This is more than a conference. It’s a catalyst for change,” Mupita added.

The visit also saw engagement with MTN Rwanda and Mobile Money Rwanda leadership, highlighting the synergy between private sector dynamism and public sector vision. 

At the core of these dialogues was one common thread: how to harness technology to uplift communities and spur socio-economic progress.

“Through bold investments in connectivity and strategic partnerships, we are working to unlock Africa’s full potential. Artificial intelligence will be a cornerstone of this transformation,” said Mupita.

Share