Huawei Makes Significant Progress in Connecting 170 Million People in Remote Areas
Huawei has achieved a remarkable milestone in digital connectivity, announcing the successful provision of telecommunications services to approximately 170 million individuals in remote regions across more than 80 countries. This accomplishment surpasses the commitment made when joining the Partner2Connect (P2C) digital coalition under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The announcement was made by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei’s ICT Infrastructure Business Group, during the “TECH Cares” forum organized by the company in Barcelona. Chaobin noted that this achievement exceeds Huawei’s original goal of connecting 120 million people in remote areas by 2025, set upon joining the ITU P2C in 2022. He expressed gratitude to Huawei’s clients and partners in the telecommunications sector for their collaborative efforts that contributed to this progress.
The forum saw the participation of around 80 guests representing governments, industries, partner organizations, and international bodies, discussing ways to enhance the concept of digital inclusion in the age of artificial intelligence and presenting practical solutions to bridge the digital divide, emphasizing the need for cooperation among various stakeholders to achieve this objective.
In his opening remarks, Chaobin pointed out that the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence technologies does not eliminate the ongoing digital divide; instead, it may widen it if not addressed seriously. He added that high-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities form the foundation for a comprehensive and sustainable AI era, affirming Huawei’s commitment to the ITU P2C coalition reflects the company’s ongoing focus on innovation, facilitating access for remote communities to essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial services through digital connectivity.
In this context, Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the ITU, commended Huawei’s efforts in reducing the digital divide, stating that connecting rural and underserved communities requires innovative business models, effective use of telecommunications resources, sustainable investments in local capabilities, and active participation from the communities themselves in these endeavors.
Additionally, Jeff Wang, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Huawei, explained that the concept of digital inclusion revolves around two main pillars: providing comprehensive connectivity and enhancing digital skills. To bridge the digital skills gap, Huawei collaborates with governments and various organizations to support students, youth, seniors, and women through three key initiatives: expanding digital access, providing digital skills training, and developing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curricula.
Since launching the “Skills on Wheels” program in 2019, over 130,000 individuals across 21 countries have received mobile digital training, opening new opportunities for underprivileged groups.
Commenting on the importance of digital connectivity, Marina Madali, Executive Director of Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Group, emphasized that connectivity is no longer a luxury but a foundational infrastructure for Africa’s growth. She noted that the company focuses on expanding connectivity in rural areas, improving device affordability, and developing digital skills related to artificial intelligence.
In developing solutions for rural networks, Huawei has continued since 2017 to enhance its range of products for rural areas, aimed at reducing costs and increasing the efficiency of network deployment. One notable initiative is the Huawei RuralCow solution, launched in November 2025 in collaboration with MTN Nigeria, targeting coverage for villages with populations of around 1,500.
These solutions have contributed to achieving the goal of connecting 170 million people to the internet, bolstering local economies and broadening access to public digital services.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants reviewed the progress made in collaboration with Huawei, expressing a desire to expand this cooperation in the future. It was unanimously agreed that achieving digital inclusion in the age of artificial intelligence requires a concerted effort from governments, telecommunications companies, international organizations, and the private sector.
With this ongoing commitment, Huawei reaffirms its determination to continue innovating in rural network technologies and enhancing global cooperation, aiming to build a more equitable and sustainable digital world.
