Huawei has connected 170 million people in remote communities to digital services, exceeding its 2022 commitment to reach 120 million people by 2025 under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition.
The announcement was made by Yang Chaobin, chief executive officer of Huawei ICT Business Group, during the company’s TECH Cares Forum in Barcelona, where government representatives, industry players, development partners, and international organisations discussed strategies for advancing digital inclusion in the artificial intelligence (AI) era.
Yang said the milestone was achieved through collaboration with telecom operators and ecosystem partners, noting that expanding high-speed connectivity and computing infrastructure remains critical to preventing a wider digital divide.
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“High-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era,” he said, adding that improved connectivity is enabling remote communities to access healthcare, education, and financial services.
Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, said bridging the connectivity gap in underserved areas requires new business models, efficient spectrum use, community participation, and sustained investment in local capacity. He commended Huawei’s contribution to universal and meaningful connectivity and the partnership between the two organisations.
Huawei identified inclusive connectivity and digital skills development as the two main pillars of digital inclusion. Jeff Wang, President of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, said the company is working with governments and institutions to expand access to digital tools, provide skills training, and develop science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula for students, women, youth, and the elderly.
The company’s Skills on Wheels programme, launched in 2019, has delivered mobile digital training to more than 130,000 people across 21 countries.
Marina Madale, Executive for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Group, said connectivity is a key infrastructure for Africa’s growth, with the operator focusing on rural network expansion, affordable devices, and digital and AI-ready skills.
Huawei said its rural connectivity solutions have evolved since 2017 to improve cost efficiency and ease of deployment. Its RuralCow solution, introduced in November 2025 and deployed with MTN Nigeria, is designed to provide coverage for communities of about 1,500 people.
According to the company, these technologies have supported the connection of 170 million people while enabling access to digital public services and supporting local economic activities.
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Participants at the forum called for stronger collaboration among governments, network operators, international organisations, and technology firms to scale digital inclusion efforts.
Huawei said it will continue to invest in rural network innovation, partnerships, and digital skills programmes as part of efforts to support equitable access to digital opportunities.
