During the MWC Barcelona 2025 Congress in Barcelona, Spain, the Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia, in collaboration with Huawei, opened a global showcase of a Zambian smart village at the government forum titled “Secure, Sovereign, and Collaborative Cloud Network Strategy Accelerates National Digitalization.” Over 200 industry leaders and technical experts in public services gathered to discuss the possibilities of national transformation with the support of digital technologies.
In July 2024, after 30 days of construction, equipment was successfully delivered for Zambia’s first smart village. This project provided the village with electricity, internet access, telemedicine, and distance education.
Governments worldwide are speeding up the transition to intelligent public service innovations with the support of AI. Huawei’s Vice President and CEO of the Global Public Sector BU, Li Junfeng, emphasized in his speech that the digital transformation of governments is crucial to strengthening national capabilities and improving citizen welfare. AI has become a key driving force in this digital transformation. The widespread use of the DeepSeek model not only brings technological advancement but also a fundamental shift in production dynamics. Huawei is collaborating with international partners to seize opportunities and advance digital governance towards a smarter and more sustainable future.
At the forum, Koh Hong-Eng, Huawei’s Global Chief Public Services Industry Scientist, invited various guests to discuss national digital transformation. Felix C. Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, stated that the smart village project aligns with Zambia’s vision for development by 2030. Through smart education, we are not only providing the next generation with knowledge but also equipping them with the digital skills necessary to thrive in the fourth industrial revolution. Zambia’s digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s also about people, progress, and potential. It aims to empower communities, bridge inequalities, and create a future where every Zambian can meaningfully contribute to national development.
Huawei adheres to the concept of “Accelerating the intelligence of governments and public services, jointly building a cognitive society,” continually expanding its business scenarios, promoting extensive use of digital technologies to achieve the vision of “excellent governance, better livelihoods, and a growing economy,” and supporting governments worldwide in creating a fair, efficient, and sustainable digital society.
In conclusion, the showcase of Zambia’s smart village exemplifies the possibilities of digital transformation in governance and public services. Through collaboration with Huawei and other partners, Zambia is paving the way for a smarter, more inclusive future. The integration of AI and digital technologies is key to enhancing national capabilities and improving the well-being of citizens. As governments around the world embrace digital transformation, the path to a more intelligent and sustainable society becomes clearer.
