Huawei's Call for Open Innovation to Bridge the Digital Divide Amid AI Advancements
At the recent ICT Sustainability Roundtable event held during MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Huawei's rotational president Ken Hu emphasized the vital role of digital technologies and partnerships in fostering sustainable change for individuals and the planet. Citing examples from Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative, Hu addressed the looming threat of a new digital divide potentially exacerbated by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. He urged policymakers and stakeholders in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to broaden collaborative platforms, ensuring no one gets left behind in the digital age.
Hu stated, "As AI makes the world smarter, we are likely to witness the emergence of a new digital divide. We must pay close attention to this matter and work together to bridge the gap." He stressed the need for policymakers to establish more inclusive institutional frameworks and encouraged more tech companies to adopt open innovation practices.
The roundtable assembled global experts and Huawei TECH4ALL partners to showcase how collaborative digital inclusion projects equip underserved communities with the essential skills to navigate the digital landscape. John Tanui, the Chief Secretary of the Kenyan Department of State for ICT and Digital Economy, highlighted how collaborations with partners like Huawei align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals, promoting digital economic development through the rollout of digital infrastructures, digitized government services, and digital skills training for remote and rural communities.
A notable example is the Huawei TECH4ALL DigiTruck, which has been training approximately 6,000 young Kenyans since 2019. Tanui remarked, "In Kenya, we believe that no one should be left behind. That’s why Huawei serves as a strategic partner in enhancing digital skills through initiatives like TECH4ALL, which we leverage to foster digital inclusion. Our DigiTrucks have empowered youth with smartphone functionality, online safety education, responsible internet usage, and online account protection resources."
According to the 2024 assessment report of the DigiTruck digital literacy skills program released by the Kenyan government, 93% of DigiTruck trainees reported improved employability skills. The report further revealed increased employment rates among former trainees and a significant rise in the use of the internet for business activities such as e-commerce. The mobility of the DigiTruck, noted as key by GSMA, a partner in the Kenya DigiTruck project, allows it to reach extremely remote communities effectively.
Additionally, the Universal Service Fund Pakistan (USF) shared insights on how collaborations with the Pakistani government, Huawei, and ITU-D are transforming rural villages through the TECH4ALL Smart Village Pakistan projects. These initiatives provide connectivity, e-education, and e-health services to local communities, alongside training in digital skills.
The roundtable also included discussions with UNESCO and the University of Alicante, focusing on global digital skills development through collaborations such as the Huawei ICT Academy, aimed at nurturing the next generation of ICT talent.
Highlighting the intersection of technology innovation and conservation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) discussed the impactful partnerships between IUCN and Huawei under the TECH4ALL Tech4Nature initiative. This collaboration has supported 13 pioneering projects across 11 countries utilizing innovative technology solutions for protected areas.
A common theme woven throughout the projects presented at the roundtable was the emphasis on technological innovation and cross-sector partnerships as fundamental approaches to harness the power of ICT in creating an inclusive and sustainable digital world. The TECH4ALL initiative represents Huawei's long-term action plan aimed at promoting digital inclusion. By leveraging innovative technologies and partnerships, TECH4ALL seeks to foster inclusivity and sustainability in the digital realm.
For further details, visit the Huawei TECH4ALL webpage and follow their updates online.
Hu stated, "As AI makes the world smarter, we are likely to witness the emergence of a new digital divide. We must pay close attention to this matter and work together to bridge the gap." He stressed the need for policymakers to establish more inclusive institutional frameworks and encouraged more tech companies to adopt open innovation practices.
The roundtable assembled global experts and Huawei TECH4ALL partners to showcase how collaborative digital inclusion projects equip underserved communities with the essential skills to navigate the digital landscape. John Tanui, the Chief Secretary of the Kenyan Department of State for ICT and Digital Economy, highlighted how collaborations with partners like Huawei align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals, promoting digital economic development through the rollout of digital infrastructures, digitized government services, and digital skills training for remote and rural communities.
A notable example is the Huawei TECH4ALL DigiTruck, which has been training approximately 6,000 young Kenyans since 2019. Tanui remarked, "In Kenya, we believe that no one should be left behind. That’s why Huawei serves as a strategic partner in enhancing digital skills through initiatives like TECH4ALL, which we leverage to foster digital inclusion. Our DigiTrucks have empowered youth with smartphone functionality, online safety education, responsible internet usage, and online account protection resources."
According to the 2024 assessment report of the DigiTruck digital literacy skills program released by the Kenyan government, 93% of DigiTruck trainees reported improved employability skills. The report further revealed increased employment rates among former trainees and a significant rise in the use of the internet for business activities such as e-commerce. The mobility of the DigiTruck, noted as key by GSMA, a partner in the Kenya DigiTruck project, allows it to reach extremely remote communities effectively.
Additionally, the Universal Service Fund Pakistan (USF) shared insights on how collaborations with the Pakistani government, Huawei, and ITU-D are transforming rural villages through the TECH4ALL Smart Village Pakistan projects. These initiatives provide connectivity, e-education, and e-health services to local communities, alongside training in digital skills.
The roundtable also included discussions with UNESCO and the University of Alicante, focusing on global digital skills development through collaborations such as the Huawei ICT Academy, aimed at nurturing the next generation of ICT talent.
Highlighting the intersection of technology innovation and conservation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) discussed the impactful partnerships between IUCN and Huawei under the TECH4ALL Tech4Nature initiative. This collaboration has supported 13 pioneering projects across 11 countries utilizing innovative technology solutions for protected areas.
A common theme woven throughout the projects presented at the roundtable was the emphasis on technological innovation and cross-sector partnerships as fundamental approaches to harness the power of ICT in creating an inclusive and sustainable digital world. The TECH4ALL initiative represents Huawei's long-term action plan aimed at promoting digital inclusion. By leveraging innovative technologies and partnerships, TECH4ALL seeks to foster inclusivity and sustainability in the digital realm.
For further details, visit the Huawei TECH4ALL webpage and follow their updates online.
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