BARCELONA, Spain, March 4, 2026 — Huawei announced that it has provided digital connectivity services to 170 million people in remote areas across more than 80 countries, exceeding its commitment under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition initiative.
The announcement was made by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei’s ICT Business Group, during the TECH Cares Forum held in Barcelona. Yang said the achievement surpassed Huawei’s pledge made in 2022 when it joined the ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, committing to provide connectivity to 120 million people living in underserved and remote areas by 2025.
Yang also expressed appreciation to Huawei’s telecommunications operator customers and industry partners for their collaboration in achieving the milestone.
The forum brought together about 80 representatives from governments, industry organizations, partner institutions, and international organizations. Participants discussed the need to expand digital inclusion in the AI era, explored practical solutions, and emphasized stronger cooperation among stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Yang noted that despite rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the digital divide remains significant and could widen further. He emphasized that high-speed digital networks and strong computing capabilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era.
“Fulfilling the ITU P2C pledge demonstrates Huawei’s continued commitment to innovation,” Yang said, adding that improved digital connectivity is helping remote communities gain better access to healthcare, education, and financial services.
Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, commended Huawei’s progress in expanding connectivity and addressing the digital divide. He said connecting rural and underserved areas requires innovative business models, inclusive approaches, efficient use of telecommunications resources, community engagement, and sustained investment in local capacity building.
Zavazava also expressed support for Huawei’s efforts, stating that the ITU values its partnership with the company in promoting universal and meaningful connectivity.
According to Jeff Wang, President of Huawei’s Public Affairs and Communications Department, digital inclusion rests on two pillars: inclusive connectivity and digital capability development. Huawei has been working with governments and organizations worldwide to narrow the digital technology gap through initiatives focused on expanding digital access, providing digital skills training, and developing STEM education programs for students, youth, senior citizens, and women.
Huawei’s Skills on Wheels program, launched in 2019, delivers mobile digital training to underserved communities. The initiative has provided learning opportunities to more than 130,000 people across 21 countries, helping expand access to digital education in areas with limited services.
Marina Madale, MTN Group’s Executive for Sustainability and Shared Value, said connectivity should be viewed not as a privilege but as critical infrastructure for Africa’s economic development. She echoed Jeff Wang’s perspective, noting that MTN is focusing on expanding rural connectivity, improving access to devices, and strengthening digital and AI capabilities.
Huawei has also continued to develop rural network technologies. Since 2017, the company has upgraded its Rural Series solutions to improve cost efficiency and deployment speed. In November 2025, Huawei introduced RuralCow, a solution designed to extend network coverage to villages with populations of around 1,500 people, with support from MTN Nigeria.
Huawei said these solutions have contributed to reaching the 170 million connectivity milestone while also helping stimulate local economic development and expand access to digital public services.
During the forum, participants shared outcomes from their cooperation with Huawei and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration. They agreed that expanding digital inclusion in the AI era requires joint efforts from governments, telecom operators, international organizations, and private companies.
Looking ahead, Huawei said it plans to continue advancing rural network innovation, expanding open partnerships, and accelerating digital skills development programs, with the aim of contributing to a more equitable and sustainable digital world.
Source: Huawei Technology.
