The GSMA has announced MWC Kigali has been postponed as Rwanda implements measures to contain the Marburg virus, including restrictions on international travel.
In a brief statement, the GSMA acknowledged, “We recognise the inconvenience this may cause to our participants,” and noted that a new date for the event will be announced in 2025. The annual event was originally scheduled to take place from October 29 to October 31.
“Together with the Rwandan Ministry of ICT & Innovation, we look forward to convening Africa’s most influential connectivity event soon,” the industry body added.
The Marburg virus was first confirmed by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health at the end of September. It is a disease that causes fever and is similar to the Ebola virus.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of October 10, there had been 58 reported cases of the disease, with 15 recoveries and 13 deaths.
The WHO has classified the Marburg virus as a grade 3 emergency, the highest level in its emergency response framework. Grade 3 emergencies are defined as public health events requiring a major response from the organisation.
