Huawei Calls for Open Innovation and Collaboration to Prevent the Emerging Digital Divide

Huawei's Call for Open Innovation

During the recent ICT Sustainability Roundtable at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Huawei highlighted the urgent need for policymakers and industry stakeholders to foster open innovation and collaboration. This push aims to prevent the potential emergence of a new digital divide, which could arise from the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) witnessed in recent years.

Key Insights from the Roundtable

Ken Hu, Huawei's rotating chairman, opened the discussion by emphasizing how digital technologies and partnerships can drive sustainable changes for both people and the planet. He cited examples from Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative, demonstrating the positive impacts of digital inclusion projects. However, Hu cautioned that as AI enhances global intelligence, it could also exacerbate the digital divide unless proactive measures are taken to include all segments of society.

Hu stated, "As AI makes the world smarter, we are likely to witness a new digital gap. We must address this and collaborate to bridge the divide. We need policymakers to establish more inclusive institutional frameworks and more tech companies to embrace open innovation. Together, we can build more open platforms for collaboration."

To explore practical approaches to this challenge, the roundtable brought together global experts and partners from Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative. They showcased how collaborative projects can equip underserved communities with essential skills to navigate the digital landscape.

Case Studies of Impact

Ing. John Tanui, CBS, representing the Kenyan government, reiterated how partnerships with organizations like Huawei align with Kenya's vision for 2030. These collaborations aim to advance digital economic development by deploying digital infrastructure, digital government services, and training programs for rural and remote communities. An excellent example highlighted was Huawei's TECH4ALL DigiTruck— a mobile learning unit that has provided training to nearly 6,000 Kenyan youth since 2019.

"In Kenya, we believe no one should be left behind. Thus, Huawei is a strategic partner in expanding digital skills through initiatives like TECH4ALL, which we leverage to foster digital inclusion," stated Ing. John Tanui, Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy in Kenya. He added, "With the DigiTruck mobile units, we have been able to train youth on smartphone functions, online risks, responsible internet usage, and security for online accounts and learning resources."

A 2024 evaluation report by the Kenyan government on the DigiTruck program revealed that 93% of participants improved their job readiness due to the training provided. The report also indicated a higher employment rate among former participants, alongside a significant increase in internet use for business activities, including e-commerce.

Moreover, the Kenyan project's partner, the GSMA Association, emphasized the value of the DigiTruck's mobility in reaching extremely remote communities. In Pakistan, the Universal Service Fund (USF) is collaborating with the government, Huawei, and ITU-D to transform rural villages through TECH4ALL Smart Village initiatives, which provide connectivity, e-learning, and e-health solutions alongside digital skills training.

Collaboration for Future Generations

At a broader scale, UNESCO and the Spanish University of Alicante are working jointly to develop digital skills globally through collaboration with the Huawei ICT Academy, focusing on nurturing the next generation of ICT talent. In terms of environmental sustainability, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) illustrated how ICT is redefining conservation efforts through its Tech4Nature initiative— a partnership that has supported 13 flagship projects across 11 countries with innovative tech solutions for protected areas.

Conclusion

The central theme across all projects discussed during the roundtable is the emphasis on technological innovation and intersectoral partnerships. This approach is crucial to harnessing the power of ICT and facilitating the emergence of an inclusive and sustainable digital world.

About TECH4ALL

TECH4ALL represents Huawei's long-term initiative and action plan focused on digital inclusion. Built on innovative technologies and partnerships, the TECH4ALL plan is designed with an emphasis on inclusion and sustainability in the digital sphere.

For more information on Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative, visit Huawei TECH4ALL and follow us on X at HUAWEI_TECH4ALL.