Huawei has connected more than 170 million people in remote and underserved areas across over 80 countries as part of its commitment to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition.
The announcement was made by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT Business Group, during the company’s TECH Cares Forum at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona. The achievement surpasses Huawei’s original pledge made in 2020 to connect 120 million people in remote areas by 2025.
Yang credited Huawei’s telecom customers and partners for their collaboration in achieving the milestone and emphasised the importance of connectivity in enabling digital inclusion in the emerging AI-driven era.
The forum brought together around 80 representatives from governments, industry, partner organisations and international institutions to discuss strategies for expanding digital inclusion and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Yang noted that despite progress in connectivity, the digital divide remains a major challenge. He stressed that high-speed digital networks and strong computing infrastructure are essential foundations for inclusive and sustainable AI development.
Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, welcomed Huawei’s contribution, highlighting the importance of innovative business models, community engagement and long-term investment to expand connectivity in rural and underserved regions.
Jeff Wang, President of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, highlighted that digital inclusion depends on both connectivity and digital skills development. Huawei is working with governments and organisations worldwide to support students, youth, women and the elderly through initiatives focused on digital access, training and STEM education.
Since 2019, Huawei’s “Skills on Wheels” programme has delivered mobile digital training to more than 130,000 people across 21 countries, helping communities build digital capabilities.
Through initiatives such as the Rural Series solutions and the RuralCow connectivity project in partnership with MTN Nigeria, Huawei continues to expand affordable rural network infrastructure and improve connectivity for remote communities.
