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Zambia Teams Up with Huawei to Launch a Smart Village Initiative

During the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 held in Barcelona, the Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia collaborated with Huawei to launch an innovative project aimed at promoting digital transformation in rural areas. This initiative, referred to as the "Smart Village," seeks to harness advanced technologies to enhance the quality of life in villages and bridge the digital divide.

The event gathered over 200 professionals, including business leaders and technical experts in the public services sector, to engage in discussions regarding national strategies for digital transformation. The forum titled "A Secure, Sovereign, and Coordinated Cloud-Network Strategy to Accelerate National Digitalization" emphasized the importance of technology in modern governance.

The Smart Village initiative was not created overnight; it represents a concerted effort that culminated in July 2024 when the first Smart Village in Zambia was successfully completed within just 30 days. The community benefited from sustained electricity, internet connectivity, and services such as telemedicine and remote learning. This first phase showcases a tangible step towards a future where rural areas are empowered by technology, enabling better access to educational resources and health services.

Li Junfeng, Huawei’s Vice President and CEO of Global Public Sector, articulated the necessity for governments worldwide to embark on digital transformation journeys. He emphasized that this process is vital not only for improving state capabilities but also for enhancing the well-being of citizens. Li noted that artificial intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of this transition, acting as a fundamental driver of growth and innovation.

The integration of the DeepSeek model represents not just a technological leap but also a significant shift in production dynamics. Huawei actively collaborates with global partners to seize opportunities presented by digital governance, ensuring a smarter and more sustainable future.

During the forum, Koh Hong-Eng, Chief Scientist for Huawei's Global Public Sector, facilitated discussions around the digital transformation experience and insights from various nations. Zambian Minister Felix C. Mutati highlighted that the Smart Villages initiative aligns with the country’s Vision 2030, which aims to create an inclusive and equitable society through intelligent education systems.

The Smart Villages initiative symbolizes Zambia's commitment to educate the next generation with essential digital skills crucial for thriving in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The vision extends beyond mere technology; it embodies empowering communities and eradicating inequalities, thereby ensuring every Zambian has a significant role in national progress.

Furthermore,Huawei's commitment to the concept of "Accelerating Government Intelligence and Public Services to Build a Cognitive Society Together" underpins its ongoing work to expand its business scenarios. The tech giant promotes widespread deployment of digital technologies to achieve the vision of better governance, improved living standards, and a strengthened economy, supporting governments worldwide in establishing fair, efficient, and sustainable digital societies.

As the world races towards digital futures, Zambia's collaboration with Huawei in creating Smart Villages may serve as an exemplary model for others aiming to leverage technology to uplift rural communities. This initiative not only provides immediate benefits but also lays down the groundwork for future growth and development in the region, standing as a beacon of hope for digital inclusion and advancement.





The MWC 2025 illustrates a progressive partnership, aiming not only for technological innovation but also for the transformation of societal structures through enhanced connectivity and smart solutions that truly affect the lives of individuals in underserved communities.