Huawei Advocates for Open Innovation to Bridge the Digital Divide

In a pivotal discussion held at the ICT Sustainability Roundtable during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Huawei called for an expansion of open innovation and collaborative efforts among policymakers and information and communication technology (ICT) stakeholders. The urgent need for such actions is underscored by the rapid progress in artificial intelligence technologies, which threatens to widen the digital divide.

Ken Hu, the rotating chair of Huawei's board, opened the session by emphasizing that digital technologies and partnerships are essential for sustainable change that benefits both people and the planet. He cited examples from Huawei's TECH4ALL program to illustrate how collaborative platforms can help ensure that no one is left behind in the digital era. Hu cautioned that as AI makes the world more intelligent, it could also lead to a new wave of digital inequality, which requires immediate attention and collective action to address.

“Our aim is to foster inclusive institutional frameworks with the participation of policymakers and increase the number of tech companies committed to rolling out open innovations. Collaboration is key to creating new open platforms for engagement,” stated Hu.

The forum gathered global experts and partners involved in Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative, showcasing how joint digital integration projects can empower vulnerable populations with the essential skills to navigate the digital landscape. Eng. John Tanui, a representative from the Kenyan government, highlighted that partnerships with Huawei align with Kenya’s 2030 development agenda, advancing the digital economy through infrastructure deployment, digital government services, and skills training, particularly in remote and rural areas.

An example of this commitment is the Huawei TECH4ALL DigiTruck initiative, a mobile classroom launched in 2019 that has taught approximately 6,000 Kenyan young people essential digital skills. Tanui expressed, “In Kenya, we believe no one should be left out. This is why Huawei is our strategic partner in enhancing digital literacy through initiatives like TECH4ALL, which we utilize to promote digital integration.” The DigiTruck classes have equipped youths with knowledge about smartphone usage, online safety, and responsible Internet practices.

According to a 2024 evaluation report on the DigiTruck Digital Literacy Skills Program released by the Kenyan government, 93% of participants improved their job skills as a result of the training. Additionally, the report indicated increased employment levels among graduates and greater online engagement for entrepreneurial purposes, such as e-commerce. The project’s partner in Kenya, GSMA, acknowledged the effectiveness of the DigiTruck’s mobility in reaching the most remote regions of the country.

A representative from Pakistan’s Universal Service Fund shared insights on how collaboration with their government, Huawei, and the ITU-D is transforming rural communities through the TECH4ALL Smart Village Pakistan projects. These initiatives promote Internet connectivity, implement e-education and e-health initiatives, and provide digital skills training to local communities.

UNESCO and the University of Alicante also contributed to the conversation by discussing global developments in digital skills, including partnerships with Huawei’s ICT Academy to nurture a new generation of ICT talents. In the environmental sector, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) showcased how the ICT sector is rethinking nature conservation through its partnership with Huawei’s TECH4ALL Tech4Nature initiative, which has supported 13 flagship projects across 11 countries through innovative technological solutions for protected areas.

What was consistent across all projects discussed at the roundtable was the focus on technological innovations and cross-sector collaboration — a crucial approach for maximizing the potential of ICT to create an inclusive and sustainable digital world.

About TECH4ALL

TECH4ALL is Huawei’s long-term initiative and action plan aimed at enhancing access to digital technologies. Supported by innovative technologies and partnerships, the TECH4ALL initiative seeks to promote inclusivity and sustainable development in the digital world. To learn more about TECH4ALL, visit Huawei’s website at Huawei TECH4ALL and follow their updates on social media.