Zambia and Huawei unveil the Global Smart Village Showcase at MWC Barcelona 2025, pioneering AI-driven rural digital transformation and connectivity.
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| Zambia and Huawei’s Smart Village Showcase at MWC Barcelona 2025 demonstrates AI-driven rural digitalization, bridging gaps in education, healthcare, and connectivity. Image: Huawei |
Barcelona, Spain – March 9, 2025:
The Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia and Huawei have jointly launched the Global Smart Village Showcase at MWC Barcelona 2025, introducing a transformative model for rural digitalization. The initiative was presented at the government industry forum, Secured, Sovereign & Synergized Network-Cloud Strategy Accelerating National Digitalization, drawing over 200 industry leaders and public sector experts.
In July 2024, Zambia’s first Smart Village was completed in just 30 days, bringing electricity, high-speed internet, telemedicine, and remote education to previously underserved communities. The project marks a milestone in the nation’s digital transformation, aiming to bridge infrastructure gaps and enhance economic opportunities in rural areas.
Huawei Vice President and CEO of Global Public Sector BU, Li Junfeng, highlighted the role of AI in modern governance, stating, “Governments worldwide are accelerating AI-driven transformation to enhance national capabilities and improve citizens’ quality of life. The adoption of DeepSeek technology is not just a breakthrough in computing—it represents a fundamental shift in how societies operate.”
At the forum, Koh Hong-Eng, Huawei’s Global Chief Public Services Industry Scientist, led discussions on national digital strategies. Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix C. Mutati, emphasized that the Smart Villages Project aligns with Zambia’s Vision 2030. “This initiative is about more than technology—it’s about empowering communities, reducing inequality, and ensuring that every Zambian has the tools to thrive in the fourth industrial revolution,” he stated.
Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to global digital governance under the theme Accelerating the Intelligence of Governments and Public Services, Building a Cognitive Society Together. The company continues to expand its business scenarios, leveraging digital innovation to drive sustainable economic growth and improve governance worldwide.