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Huawei's Remarkable Achievement in Digital Connectivity

In a significant milestone, Huawei Technologies has successfully provided digital connectivity to an astounding 170 million people living in remote areas across more than 80 countries, effectively surpassing its commitment made under the ITU Partner2Connect (P2C) initiative. This achievement was recently announced by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei's ICT Business Group, at the TECH Cares forum held in Barcelona, Spain.

When Huawei joined the P2C initiative in 2022, it had pledged to connect 120 million individuals in remote regions by 2025. The recent announcement reflects not just a promise fulfilled but also a commitment to continual innovation in accessing healthcare, education, and financial services for previously underserved communities.

A Gathering of Minds

The TECH Cares forum saw approximately 80 participants from government, industry, partner organizations, and international institutions. Together, they engaged in comprehensive discussions on the pressing need to strengthen digital inclusion in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). The forum also provided a platform for exploring practical solutions and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, Yang emphasized the persistence of the digital divide, despite the rapid advancements in AI technology. He stated, “High-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities are the fundamental basis for an inclusive and sustainable AI era.”

Recognizing Collaborative Efforts

The Director of the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau, Cosmas Zavazava, applauded Huawei's success, specifically in overcoming the digital divide. He pointed out that connecting underserved communities requires innovative business models, inclusive approaches, effective resource allocation, and local community engagement. Zavazava reiterated that Huawei's commitment to universal connectivity deserves recognition and is proudly reflected in their robust partnership.

Jeff Wang, President for Public Affairs and Communication at Huawei, elaborated on the importance of digital inclusion, emphasizing the dual pillars of inclusive connectivity and the expansion of digital skills. Huawei's initiatives aim to mitigate skill gaps by working closely with governments and organizations to empower students, youth, the elderly, and women through various programs targeting digital access.

Transformative Educational Initiatives

Since its launch in 2019, Huawei's Skills on Wheels program has provided mobile digital education to over 130,000 individuals in 21 countries, creating new opportunities for underprivileged communities. Marina Madalova, a director at MTN Group, echoed the assertion that connectivity is not a privilege but essential infrastructure for Africa’s growth. Her organization prioritizes enhancing rural connectivity while improving access to devices and building essential digital skills.

Through a series of continuous innovations in rural connectivity, Huawei has updated its Rural Series solutions since 2017, improving affordability and deployment efficiency. Notably, their Huawei RuralCow solution, launched in November 2025, has extended connectivity to villages with around 1,500 inhabitants, thanks to support from MTN Nigeria. This endeavor has not only met the goal of connecting 170 million people but has also stimulated local economies and improved access to essential public digital services.

A Vision for Future Collaborations

Forum attendees shared notable advancements made through collaboration with Huawei and expressed a commitment to deepening their partnerships. There was a unanimous consensus that advancing digital inclusion in the age of AI necessitates collective efforts from governments, operators, international organizations, and businesses alike.

Moving forward, Huawei plans to enhance innovations in rural networking technologies, foster open collaborations, and accelerate the expansion of digital skills. With ongoing efforts, Huawei aims to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable digital world for all.