Airtel Africa has stressed the need for partnerships, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data centres as key drivers of Africa’s digital future. Chief Executive Officer for the leading provider of telecommunications and mobile services, Sunil Taldar, believes the next decade of Africa’s telecom revolution will focus on enabling people to create value through digital connectivity.
In his keynote address at the 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Kigali, Taldar called for collaboration among operators, regulators, investors, and innovators to build a continent where data is processed locally, talent is developed nationally, and innovation is scaled globally.
“Africa’s digital decade has begun. The continent that once leapfrogged into mobile telephony is now ready to leap again, into an era where every byte of data fuels productivity and every connection builds prosperity. Africa is ready for its next leap from access to productivity. This requires partnership between operators who co-build, technology manufacturers who equip, regulators who enable, investors who believe, tax regimes which support, and young Africans who create,” he said.
Airtel Africa’s CEO emphasized that AI is essential for smarter, greener networks, enhanced customer experiences, and more secure mobile money. He also highlighted the need for interconnected data centres via high-capacity fibre to ensure inclusive digital access, even in remote areas.
Taldar further highlighted Airtel Africa’s investments in major data-centre hubs in Nigeria and Kenya, as well as the company’s use of AI to enhance operations, including fraud detection, customer onboarding, and energy optimisation.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame urged governments and private sector players to harmonize policies and foster innovation to create a bold, connected, and competitive Africa.
“While the challenges that Africa faces are significant, they also offer great growth potential if we collaborate. Governments, the private sector, and other partners should harmonize policies and create the right environment for innovation. This will enable our data and payment systems to flow securely across borders and connect our economies. The future we must build is an Africa that is bold, connected, and competitive,” said Kagame.
The conference discussions align with Malawi’s Vision 2063, which prioritizes digital transformation for inclusive growth. Airtel Malawi’s efforts in expanding infrastructure, applying AI, and improving mobile money services support these national objectives and contribute to Africa’s broader digital future.
