The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has postponed the 2026 edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali, one of Africa’s premier telecommunications and technology events, less than two weeks before it was scheduled to take place in Rwanda.
The conference had been set for June 16–18 in Kigali and was expected to bring together government officials, telecommunications executives, investors, policymakers and technology innovators from across Africa and beyond.
In a statement issued on June 3, GSMA announced the postponement and apologized to participants and partners for the disruption, saying a new date for the event would be communicated in due course.
“We recognize the inconvenience this postponement may cause to our attendees and stakeholders, and we sincerely appreciate their understanding and continued support,” the organization said.
GSMA did not provide a reason for the postponement but indicated that preparations are underway to reschedule the event.
“A new date will be announced soon. We look forward to welcoming the industry back for one of Africa’s most influential gatherings dedicated to connectivity, innovation and digital transformation,” the statement added.
MWC Kigali has established itself as a major platform for discussions on the future of mobile communications and digital development on the African continent. The event regularly attracts senior government leaders, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology companies and investors seeking to explore emerging trends and opportunities in the sector.
The latest postponement marks the second disruption to the event in recent years. The conference had previously been postponed before eventually taking place in Rwanda in 2025 after its initial 2024 schedule was altered.
Previous editions of MWC Kigali focused heavily on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), 5G networks and other emerging technologies, with participants examining ways to accelerate digital transformation, improve connectivity and foster innovation-driven economic growth across Africa.
The postponement comes at a time when African countries are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure and advanced mobile technologies to expand access to services, enhance economic competitiveness and bridge the continent’s digital divide.
Organizers said further details regarding the rescheduled event will be released in the coming weeks.
