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Huawei's Call for Open Innovation to Prevent the New Digital Divide

At the recently held MWC Barcelona 2025, Huawei organized the ICT Sustainability Roundtable, focusing on the urgent need for open innovation and collaboration in the face of fast-paced advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Ken Hu, Huawei's rotating chairman, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among policymakers and stakeholders in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to prevent the emergence of a digital divide that could leave many behind.

During his opening remarks, Hu highlighted inspiring examples from Huawei's TECH4ALL program, which is aimed at promoting sustainable change for both people and the planet. He pointed out that as AI makes the world smarter, there is a significant risk of creating a new digital divide, urging stakeholders to pay close attention to this looming threat. "We need more inclusive administrative frameworks created by policymakers and a greater embrace of open innovation by more tech companies," he said.

To explore how these issues can be tackled effectively, the roundtable convened global experts and partners involved in collaborative digital inclusion projects. The aim was to demonstrate how underserved communities can gain access to the necessary skills to embrace the digital world. Notably, Eng. John Tanui CBS, representing the Kenyan government, showcased how working with partners like Huawei aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, which focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure and offering digital skills training, especially to remote and rural communities.

One standout example is the Huawei TECH4ALL DigiTruck, a mobile classroom mounted on the back of a truck, which has provided education to around 6,000 young Kenyans since its inception in 2019. "In Kenya, we believe that no one should be left behind. Therefore, Huawei is a strategic partner in the widespread dissemination of digital skills through initiatives like TECH4ALL, and we leverage these endeavors to promote digital participation," stated Eng. John Tanui, who emphasized the courses' importance in educating the youth about smartphone functionality, online risks, responsible internet usage, and securing online accounts and resources.

The recently published 2024 DigiTruck Digital Literacy Skills Program Evaluation Report from the Kenyan government indicated that 93% of DigiTruck trainees improved their job skills due to the training. Additionally, the report revealed increased internet usage for commercial activities, reflecting higher employment rates among former trainees. The worth of DigiTruck's mobility in reaching incredibly remote communities was further corroborated by GSMA, the project partner in Kenya.

In Pakistan, the Universal Service Fund's collaboration with the government, Huawei, and ITU-D investigated how the TECH4ALL Smart Village Pakistan initiative has transformed rural areas through digital skills training and the provision of e-learning and e-health services. Similarly, alongside UNESCO and Alicante University in Spain, the development of global digital skills focuses on fostering new ICT talents through collaboration with Huawei's ICT Academy.

In the field of environmental conservation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlighted how the TECH4ALL Tech4Nature global partnership is redefining nature conservation through innovative tech solutions across 11 countries with 13 flagship projects.

The key premise across all projects discussed at the roundtable was the emphasis on technological innovation and cross-sector partnerships. This collaborative approach is vital for leveraging ICT's power to create an inclusive and sustainable digital environment for everyone.

About TECH4ALL

TECH4ALL is Huawei's long-term digital inclusivity initiative and action plan. Backed by innovative technology and partnerships, TECH4ALL is designed to ensure inclusivity and sustainability in the digital world. To learn more about Huawei's TECH4ALL, visit the official website and follow us on X at @HUAWEI_TECH4ALL.


Through these continued efforts, Huawei aims to ensure that advancements in technology benefit all sectors of society, thereby bridging the digital divide rather than deepening it.