By Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi
The Mobile World Congress 2023, hosted by GSMA, stands as a paramount global technology event, considered as the largest and most influential assembly of connectivity enthusiasts worldwide. In my capacity as Technical Support for Digital Grassroots, an organisation steadfastly committed to digital inclusion, I had the privilege of participating in this year’s congress, which took place in Barcelona in February. The experience proved to be profoundly enlightening, further reinforcing our dedication to fostering digital inclusion. As a young person, I was captivated by the transformative potential of technological innovation, particularly within the mobile sphere.
Upon entering the bustling event, I was immediately struck by the enormity of MWC. Thousands of attendees navigated the labyrinthine aisles, immersing themselves in the most recent advancements and innovations. Corporate exhibits dazzled with colossal screens, live demonstrations, and awe-inspiring offerings. I marvelled at exhibitions of robots, intelligent voice assistants, and virtual reality devices. Moreover, at MWC 23, I attended numerous sessions delving into the cutting-edge trends in mobile technologies, such as 5G, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. As a telecom engineer, I was especially intrigued by discussions surrounding the potential of these technologies to enhance digital inclusion and facilitate internet access for the most marginalised communities.
A particularly memorable talk centred on digital transformation in Africa, where speakers showcased exhilarating initiatives aimed at extending internet access to rural regions and discussed how mobile technologies can enhance education and healthcare. It was encouraging to observe industry leaders acknowledging the significance of digital inclusion and striving to create inventive solutions to realise it. Furthermore, I attended a conference on utilising AI to anticipate and avert natural disasters and observed demonstrations of IoT devices monitoring air and water quality in rural areas. I also had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with representatives from organisations pursuing objectives similar to those of Digital Grassroots. Our exchange of ideas and best practices on reinforcing digital inclusion worldwide proved rewarding, enabling us to forge connections with crucial industry stakeholders.
In conclusion, my involvement in the Mobile World Congress 2023 was an astounding and enriching experience. I got inspired by the promising discussions and initiatives presented by speakers and industry professionals. As Technical Support for Digital Grassroots, I am convinced that, through collaboration, we can advance digital inclusion and guarantee universal access to the myriad opportunities offered by the internet.