KATHMANDU, March 4: Huawei has provided digital connectivity to 170 million people in remote areas across over 80 countries, exceeding its pledge to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition, the company said in a press release.
According to the press release, Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, announced the achievement at Huawei’s TECH Cares Forum in Barcelona. When joining the ITU P2C Digital Coalition in 2022, Huawei had pledged to connect 120 million people in remote regions by 2025. Yang thanked Huawei’s telecom customers and partners for their collaborative efforts.
The press release stated that the forum gathered around 80 guests from governments, industries, partner organizations, and international bodies to discuss advancing digital inclusion in the AI era. Yang highlighted that despite rapid AI progress, the digital divide persists, stressing that high-speed networks and robust computing are essential for an inclusive and sustainable AI future.
Huawei signs global ITU pledge to help 120 million people in re...
Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, praised Huawei’s work to bridge the digital divide, emphasizing the need for innovative business models, community engagement, and sustained local investment, the press release said.
Similarly, Jeff Wang, President of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, noted that digital inclusion relies on connectivity and digital skills empowerment. Huawei’s initiatives support students, youth, the elderly, and women through expanded access, training programs, and STEM curricula. Since 2019, the Skills on Wheels program has trained over 130,000 people across 21 countries.
Likewise, Marina Madale of MTN Group said connectivity is foundational for Africa’s growth, aligning with Huawei’s efforts to expand rural connectivity, improve device affordability, and build AI-ready skills. Huawei’s Rural Series solutions, including the 2025 RuralCow launch in partnership with MTN Nigeria, extend coverage to villages of 1,500 residents, contributing to both connectivity and local economic growth.
According to the company, participants at the forum reaffirmed that advancing digital inclusion in the AI era requires joint efforts from governments, operators, international organizations, and enterprises. Huawei plans to continue innovating in rural network technologies, deepening collaboration, and empowering digital skills to foster a more equitable and sustainable digital world.
