Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia and Huawei Jointly Launch the Global Smart Village Showcase, Exploring New Digital Transformation Modes for Villages

[Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] During MWC Barcelona 2025, the Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia joined hands with Huawei in launching the global showcase of Zambia's smart village at the government industry forum titled Secured, Sovereign & Synergized Network-Cloud Strategy Accelerating National Digitalization. Over 200 industry leaders and technical experts in public services gathered at the event to discuss national transformation paths driven by digital technologies. This showcase not only sets a benchmark for Africa's rural digitalization, but also serves as a milestone for Huawei in advancing global inclusive connectivity.

Ministry of Science and Technology of Zambia and Huawei Launch the global Smart Village Showcase
(Left to right: Victor Guo, President of Sub-Saharan Africa Enterprise Business, Huawei; Li Junfeng（Wind), CEO of Global Public Sector BU, Huawei; Felix C. Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, Zambia; Brilliant Habeenzu, Permanent Secretary of Technology and Science, Zambia; David Wang, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Huawei)

In July 2024, the first smart village site in Zambia was successfully delivered after 30 days of construction. Huawei deployed micro solar power plants and RuralStar base station, and equipped schools with IdeaHub devices and electronic blackboards. This smart village site has provided electricity and Internet access to homes, schools, and clinics. Additionally, residents can access real-time weather information to improve farming practices, consult with city doctors through telemedicine, and enhance their skills through online education. These initiatives enhance public services, promote equitable resource distribution, and bring digital life across Zambia.

While consolidating digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, governments worldwide are accelerating the shift toward AI-driven intelligent public service upgrades. During his speech, Li Junfeng, Vice President of Huawei and CEO of Global Public Sector BU, emphasized that the digital transformation of governments is crucial for enhancing national capabilities and improving the well-being of citizens. AI is emerging as a key driver in this digital transformation. The extensive use of the DeepSeek model signifies not just a technological advancement, but also a fundamental shift in production dynamics. Huawei collaborates with international partners to capitalize on opportunities and propel digital government towards a smarter and more sustainable future.

Li Junfeng（Wind）, Vice President of Huawei and CEO of Global Public Sector BU, delivering his speech

At the forum, Koh Hong-Eng, Global Chief Public Services Industry Scientist ofHuawei, invited the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy of the Republic of Guinea, Deputy Mayor of the City Council of Granada, Spain, CTO of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Türkiye, and Minister of Technology and Science, the Republic of Zambia, to discuss AI-led public services, cloud computing, security, sovereignty and digital talent development.

Felix C. Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science of Zambia, mentioned that the Smart Villages Project aligns seamless with Zambia's vision 2030. Through smart education, we are not only empowering the next generation with knowledge but also equipping them with the digital skills required to thrive in the fourth Industrial revolution. The digital transformation of Zambia is not only about technology-it is about the people, progress, and potential. It is about empowering the communities, bridging inequalities, and creating a future where every Zambian can contribute meaningfully to national development.

Koh Hong-Eng, Global Chief Public Services Industry Scientist interacting with guest speakers
(Left to right: Rose Pola Pricemou, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy , the Republic of Guinea; Vito Episcopo, Deputy Mayor of the City Council of Granada, Spain; Dr. Erol Özgüner, CTO of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Türkiye; Felix C. Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, the Republic of Zambia; Koh Hong-Eng, Chief Scientist of Huawei Global Public Sector BU)

As a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, Huawei adheres to the concept of "Accelerating the Intelligence of Governments and Public Services, Building a Cognitive Society Together", and continuously deepens cooperation with customers and partners in governments and public utilities around the world. Furthermore, the company is constantly broadening its business scenarios, advancing the extensive use of AI, big data, and cloud computing technologies in various sectors including government services, urban management, education, and healthcare. This effort aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of public services, achieve the vision of "excellent governance, better livelihood, and heightened economy", and support governments globally in establishing an equitable, efficient, and sustainable digital society. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that digital economy benefits everyone.