Information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure giant Huawei has surpassed its pledge to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition to connect 120-million people in remote areas by 2025.

The company, which joined the ITU P2C Digital Coalition in 2022, has provided digital connectivity to 170-million people in remote areas across more than 80 countries.

Fulfilment of the ITU P2C pledge reflects Huawei’s ongoing commitment to innovation, bringing remote communities improved access to healthcare, education and financial services through digital connectivity, said Huawei ICT BG CEO Yang Chaobin at the company’s Tech Cares Forum, which was held in Barcelona on March 2.

“Connecting the rural and underserved communities requires innovative business models, inclusivity and the effective use of communication resources as well as community engagement and sustained investment in local capacity. I applaud Huawei’s commitment to universal and meaningful connectivity and I am proud of our strong and successful partnership,” adds ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau director Cosmas Zavazava.

Digital inclusion rests on two pillars: inclusive connectivity and digital skills empowerment, explains Huawei Public Affairs and Communications president Jeff Wang.

To address the digital skills gap, Huawei partners with governments and organisations to support students, youth, the elderly and women through three initiatives: expanding digital access, offering digital skills training and developing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curricula.

Since its launch in 2019, Huawei’s Skills on Wheels programme has brought mobile digital training to over 130 000 people in 21 countries, opening new opportunities for underserved communities.

In rural network innovation, Huawei has continuously upgraded its Rural Series solutions since 2017 to improve affordability and deployment efficiency.

Huawei RuralCow, launched in November 2025, extends coverage to villages of around 1 500 residents with support from MTN Nigeria.

These solutions have helped achieve the target of connecting 170-million people while boosting local economies and enabling wider access to digital public services.

Going forward, Huawei will continue to drive innovation in rural network technologies, deepen open collaboration, and accelerate digital skills empowerment.

“Through concrete actions, the company will keep contributing to a more equitable and sustainable digital world.”

During the forum Huawei hosted about 80 participants from governments, industries, partner organisations and international bodies, with some sharing progress from their collaboration with Huawei and expressed willingness to deepen cooperation.