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Zambia and Huawei's Smart Village Initiative

During the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Zambia's Ministry of Technology and Science joined forces with Huawei, a leading global tech company, to showcase the global Smart Village project. This initiative aims at accelerating national digital transformation through innovative solutions that cater to the needs of rural communities.

The launch event, themed _Secured, Sovereign Synergized Network-Cloud Strategy Accelerating National Digitalization_, attracted over 200 industry leaders and experts from various government sectors. They gathered to discuss how digital technologies can enhance public services and overall development in Zambia.

The Smart Village project, which successfully completed its first site in Zambia in July 2024, has already provided essential services such as electricity and internet access to the rural community. Additionally, it has enabled remote healthcare and online education, bridging the digital divide in a meaningful way.

Li Junfeng, Huawei's Vice President and CEO of the Global Public Sector Business, highlighted that the digital transformation of governments is essential for national development and the well-being of citizens. As AI becomes central to this transformation, it not only drives technological advancements but also shifts the dynamics of how public services are delivered.

Huawei's commitment to this initiative emphasizes collaboration with international partners to leverage opportunities and lead the digital government towards a smarter, more sustainable future. During the forum, Koh Hong-Eng, the Global Chief Public Services Industry Scientist at Huawei, invited various speakers to share insights on national digital transformation efforts.

Felix C. Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, expressed that the Smart Villages Project aligns perfectly with the country's Vision 2030. He stated, "Through smart education, we not only impart knowledge to the next generation but also equip them with crucial digital skills essential for thriving in the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

The focus of Zambia’s digital transformation goes beyond technology—it revolves around uplifting communities, reducing inequalities, and paving a brighter future where all Zambians can actively contribute to national growth. This holistic approach ensures that digital initiatives are inclusive and relevant to the people they serve.

Huawei emphasizes the concept of _Accelerating the Intelligence of Governments and Public Services, Building a Cognitive Society Together_, continually expanding its initiatives to promote the extensive use of digital technologies. This vision aims to enhance governance quality, improve livelihoods, and stimulate the economy, ultimately supporting governments worldwide in establishing equitable, efficient, and sustainable digital societies.

As the global community looks to Zambia as a model for leveraging technology in rural development, the Smart Village initiative stands out as a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of collaboration between governments and technology providers. This partnership not only sets a precedent for future developments in Zambia but also offers a valuable blueprint for other nations embarking on similar journeys.

In conclusion, the Zambia-Huawei collaboration represents a pioneering step towards a technologically advanced future, demonstrating that with the right tools and partnerships, even rural areas can become thriving hubs of innovation and progress. With the support of global firms like Huawei, Zambia is poised to lead the way in smart community development, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive digital future for all its citizens.