The eighth edition of Huawei Connect, held in Shanghai from September 20 to 22, marked a significant milestone for Huawei, especially in its commitment to fostering digital growth in Africa. This year’s event, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), unveiled Huawei’s comprehensive blueprint for Africa’s digital and technological future, titled “Accelerate Intelligence for New Africa”.
The strategy, revealed by Terry HE, President of Huawei Northern Africa, aims to guide Africa towards a “smart and connected future,” leveraging the continent’s youthful demographic and green energy potential.
The What
Huawei’s “Accelerate Intelligence for New Africa” is not just a roadmap but a detailed strategy aimed at integrating smart technologies, particularly AI, into essential sectors such as health, education, transportation, finance, agriculture, and mining.
The strategy is structured around three core action areas: enhancing inclusion to improve people’s lives, bolstering governmental management to attract business, and heightening operational efficiency and productivity across key industries.
To bring this strategy to life, Huawei announced a substantial five-year investment plan named “Intelligent Future,” totaling $430 million, for the Northern Africa region, covering 28 countries.
The investment includes $200 million for the region’s first public cloud center, $200 million to support local software and channel partners, and $30 million for talent development, aiming to train and educate a vast number of digital professionals.
The Why
Africa, with 60% of its population aged 25 or younger, presents a fertile ground for digitalization, which is poised to be a major catalyst for growth. The continent’s considerable green energy potential also offers a competitive advantage in the AI era.
Huawei’s strategy recognizes these strengths and seeks to leverage them to drive intelligent transformation in the region.
The “Intelligent Future” investment plan is designed to address the challenges and high stakes involved in technological evolution. Terry HE emphasized the need for perseverance, exploration, investment, and close collaboration among governments, businesses, educational institutions, and communities to realize the ambitions of the strategy and usher in a smarter world in Africa.
What They Said
During the unveiling of the strategy, Terry HE stated, “Every technological evolution is characterized by perseverance, exploration, and investment.”
He stressed the importance of intensifying investments in technologies, ecosystems, and talent and called for united action to fulfill the aspirations of Africa’s people. Huawei underscored its unwavering commitment to the continent’s digital transformation, viewing Africa as a pivotal element of the company’s growth ambitions.
Huawei’s Chief Strategy Officer, Chakib Achour, expressed the company’s dedication to Africa’s digital transition, emphasizing the development of digital infrastructure, empowering startups, and improving digital governance. He highlighted Huawei’s role in establishing cybersecurity centers, data centers, and enhancing connectivity for Africa’s technological advancement.
