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Zambia and Huawei's Pioneering Smart Village Initiative

During the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, a significant collaboration unfolded between the Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia and tech giant Huawei. The duo launched the global Smart Village Showcase, part of a broader effort to explore innovative digital transformation strategies tailored for rural areas. The forum, themed "Secured, Sovereign Synergized Network-Cloud Strategy Accelerating National Digitalization,” attracted over 200 industry leaders and experts from the public sector.

The event served as a pivotal platform for engaged discussion on national transformation pathways driven by advanced digital technologies. In his address, Felix C. Mutati, Zambia's Minister of Technology and Science, emphasized the alignment of the Smart Villages Project with the vision for Zambia 2030. He articulated that through smart education initiatives, the country aims to equip the youth with essential digital competencies necessary for a thriving future in the fourth industrial revolution.

Building on Success

This initiative follows the successful establishment of the first smart village in Zambia, completed in just 30 days back in July 2024. This pioneering site has already made strides by providing electricity and internet access to local residents, alongside advancements in telemedicine and remote education. Such developments highlight the potential of technological integration in fostering sustainable community growth, particularly in underserved areas.

Li Junfeng, the Vice President of Huawei and CEO of the Global Public Sector Business Unit, underlined the vital role digital transformation plays in enhancing governmental capabilities while simultaneously improving citizen well-being. He stressed that embracing AI technology is crucial for achieving these transformation goals. The advent of Huawei’s DeepSeek model represents not only a technological leap but a fundamental shift in operational dynamics, as it facilitates smarter governance.

At the forum, Koh Hong-Eng, Huawei’s Global Chief Public Services Industry Scientist, collaborated with various guests to dissect the intricacies of national digital overhauls. He brought to light the challenges and triumphs faced when integrating cutting-edge digital solutions within public service sectors.

A Vision for the Future

The overall ambition of the Smart Villages Project extends beyond technology; it aims to empower individuals and bridge societal disparities. Minister Mutati expressed his hope that this initiative would catalyze progress across communities, fostering an environment where every Zambian can engage meaningfully in the nation’s development.

Huawei's commitment to "Accelerating the Intelligence of Governments and Public Services, Building a Cognitive Society Together" reflects a dedication to enhance governance processes and economically uplift communities through advanced digital avenues. The vast expertise Huawei brings to the table lends itself to these goals by supporting governments globally in establishing fair, efficient, and self-sustaining digital societies.

As Zambia embarks on this digital transformation journey, the government’s concerted efforts to partner with global leaders like Huawei signify a forward-thinking strategy that heralds lasting change for the nation and its people. This global Smart Village initiative not only stands to benefit Zambia but serves as a model for other nations striving for similar transformations in their rural communities.

For more information, images, and updates on the project, visit Huawei's official media center.