Huawei set a goal to connect 120 million people in remote areas by 2025. It has already surpassed that goal, reaching 170 million people in more than 80 countries. The milestone was announced by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT Business Group, at Huawei’s TECH Cares Forum in Barcelona. The commitment was originally made to the International Telecommunication Union’s Partner2Connect Digital Coalition and highlights Huawei’s effort to help close the global digital divide.
The forum convened various stakeholders, including government representatives, industry leaders, and partner organizations, to explore the critical issue of digital inclusion in the AI era. As digital advancements progress rapidly, disparities in access to technology continue to challenge efforts toward inclusivity and equity.
Yang emphasized the centrality of high-speed networks and robust computing capabilities as prerequisites for a sustainable and inclusive AI era. Although there is substantial progress in AI, the risk of a widening digital divide remains a pressing concern. “High-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era,” he explained.
The commendable efforts by Huawei received accolades from Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. He stressed the importance of innovative business models, inclusivity, and sustained local investment to connect rural and underserved communities. According to Zavazava, Huawei’s approach exemplifies the partnership’s success in striving for global connectivity.
Jeff Wang, President of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, highlighted two pillars vital to achieving digital inclusion — connectivity and skills empowerment. Through collaborations with governments and organizations, Huawei aims to bridge the digital skills gap by expanding access, providing training, and developing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curricula.
The company’s Skills on Wheels program has already reached over 130,000 individuals in 21 countries since its inception in 2019, furthering opportunities for underserved communities.
Marina Madale of MTN Group affirmed the necessity of connectivity as foundational to Africa’s growth. Leaders like Madale emphasize that access to the digital world should be seen as essential infrastructure, not a privilege.
Furthermore, Huawei continues to innovate with its Rural Series solutions. Launched in 2025, the Huawei RuralCow improves coverage in small villages, enhancing local economies and access to essential services. This innovation supports Huawei’s broader goal of advancing rural network technologies and expanding digital inclusivity.
Participants at the forum shared success stories and expressed eagerness to expand collaborative efforts. It was collectively acknowledged that sustained partnerships are crucial to fostering digital inclusion in the AI era.
As Huawei looks to the future, it remains committed to advancing technologies, encouraging collaborations, and enhancing digital skills. These efforts aim to build a more equitable digital world, closing the gap between the connected and the unconnected.
