Huawei collaborated with Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science to promote rural digitization

The impact of technology on the world has extended beyond urban cities. With the Internet and the rise of AI and Big Data, digital technology is making its way to every corner of the world, transforming existing infrastructures to digitalize and boost rural economies and social service levels to improve livelihoods.

Against this background, Zambia’s Ministry of Science and Technology collaborated with Huawei to launch its first smart village site in Muchila, Zambia, in July 2024, providing electricity and Internet access that made better education and healthcare possible.

At MWC Barcelona 2025, the Ministry of Technology and Science of Zambia, together with Huawei launched the global showcase of Zambia’s smart village at the government industry forum titled Secured, Sovereign & Synergized Network – Cloud Strategy Accelerating National Digitalization. In addition to establishing a standard for rural digitization in Africa, this demonstration marks a significant advancement for Huawei in promoting globally inclusive connectivity.

At the event, Felix C. Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science of Zambia mentioned how the smart village project is closely aligned with Zambia’s Vision 2030. He added that along with other education initiatives, projects like this equip the next generation with the digital skills required to thrive in the fourth industrial revolution. Mutati said that the Smart Village project also empowers communities, bridges inequalities, and creates a future for every Zambian to contribute meaningfully to the nation and its development.

Powering schools, hospitals, and homes with the Smart Village Solution

Delivering electricity and ensuring basic human needs in rural areas are often challenging. Apart from high site construction costs due to a scattered population, typical equipment often requires expertise to set up and can be easily damaged or stolen.

To overcome the challenges of connecting rural areas, the Smart Village Solution offers a cost-effective, low-power, and easily deployable option for rural series pole sites. Combined with RuralStar technology, which uses wireless backhaul to provide internet connectivity even without line-of-sight, this solution enables extensive network coverage. This connectivity facilitates the transformation of rural education and healthcare through digital classrooms and clinics. The Smart Village Solution’s simplicity, affordability, and ease of deployment make it a replicable model for smart village construction, particularly in challenging environments like desert plains, mountainous regions and rural valleys.

As a result, remote villages can be connected to the rest of the world through the Internet. With electricity and free access to information, villagers have the opportunity to receive better education, improve medical standards, and enhance their livelihoods.

Promoting economic development and sustainable digitalization 

Supporting the Global Smart Village showcase, Li Junfeng (Wind), CEO of Global Public Sector at Huawei, highlights the importance of digital transformation for governments, and how it is crucial for enhancing national capabilities and improving the well-being of citizens. With AI being a key driver for digital transformation, Li emphasized Huawei’s commitment to collaborating with international partners as they help propel governments towards building a smarter, more sustainable future for everyone.

Huawei

This smart village model hopes to spark similar movements and to be emulated worldwide, accelerating digital transformation across even the most rural societies. Looking ahead, there is much potential for smart villages to uplift and empower communities, driving long-term, sustainable development like this that will bridge communities for a more interconnected world.