Huawei Exceeds Commitment to Connect 170 Million Globally Through ITU Partner2Connect

Huawei's Remarkable Achievement in Global Connectivity

In a significant development for digital inclusion, Huawei has announced that it has successfully connected 170 million people in remote areas across over 80 countries. This achievement goes beyond the company's commitment made in 2022 under the ITU Partner2Connect (P2C) initiative to connect 120 million individuals by 2025. This milestone was shared by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, during the TECH Cares Forum held in Barcelona, Spain, where he expressed gratitude to the telecom customers and partners for their collective efforts in achieving this success.

The TECH Cares Forum gathered around 80 representatives from government, industry, partner organizations, and international bodies, engaging in in-depth discussions about the pressing need for support in advancing digital inclusion, especially in the current age of AI. Yang emphasized that despite rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, the digital divide persists, with the potential for deepening disparities unless high-speed connectivity is prioritized.

"High-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities are foundational for an inclusive and sustainable AI era," Yang stated, highlighting Huawei's ongoing commitment to innovation that brings better access to healthcare, education, and financial services for remote communities through digital connectivity.

Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, praised Huawei's efforts to shrink the digital gap, saying: "Connecting rural and underserved communities requires innovative business models, inclusivity, efficient resource utilization, and sustained investments in local capacities. I commend Huawei's commitment to meaningful connectivity and am proud of our strong and successful partnership."

According to Jeff Wang, President of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, digital inclusion is anchored on two pillars: inclusive connectivity and support for digital skills. Huawei, in collaboration with governments and organizations, is addressing the shortage of digital skills through various initiatives focused on extending accessibility, providing training programs, and developing STEM educational curriculums. This emphasizes support for students, youth, the elderly, and women, promoting digital access and competency.

Since its inception in 2019, the Huawei Skills on Wheels program has delivered mobile digital training to over 130,000 people across 21 countries, creating new opportunities for disadvantaged communities. Marina Madale, Executive Director for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Group, underscored the importance of connectivity for Africa’s growth, stating that it is not a privilege but a vital infrastructure. She echoed Jeff Wang’s sentiments, emphasizing rural connectivity, availability of devices, and building digital skills essential for the AI-ready workforce.

In innovating rural networks, Huawei has continually enhanced its Rural Series solutions since 2017 to improve affordability and deployment efficiency. The Huawei RuralCow, launched in November 2025, extends coverage to villages with populations of approximately 1,500, supported by MTN Nigeria. These solutions have been instrumental in achieving the ambitious goal of connecting 170 million individuals while bolstering local economies and enhancing access to digital public services.

During the forum, participants shared progress made in their collaborations with Huawei and expressed commitment to further deepening their partnership. There was a unanimous consensus that advancing digital inclusion in the AI era requires a collaborative effort from governments, operators, international organizations, and businesses.

Huawei is committed to continuing its support for innovations in rural network technologies, enhancing open collaboration, and accelerating the development of digital skills. Through these concrete steps, the company aims to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable digital world.