Artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and smart platforms are reshaping industries, moving beyond connectivity to building a truly intelligent and sustainable future, enabling industry growth, unlocking inclusion and driving South Africa’s long-term national development.

This was one of the messages that emerged during the Huawei South Africa Connect 2025 conference, held in Johannesburg on July 3.

Intelligent technologies can power South Africa’s advance from digital adoption to intelligent transformation, revolutionising industries, unlocking opportunities and redefining efficiency.

“Digital transformation is the foundation for economic growth and national progress, and South Africa is now entering the age of intelligence, where cloud, AI and smart systems will define the next chapter of development,” said Huawei South Africa CEO Will Meng.

“South Africa is not only embracing new technologies, but we are helping to shape how they apply across the continent and the globe. We recognise that digital transformation is a powerful driver of innovation, efficiency and inclusion,” added Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi.

South Africa has developed four measurable Ministerial priorities to build an innovative and high-performing digital ecosystem for all South Africans.

These include expanding connectivity and access to devices, building a digitally skilled society, unlocking the productive use of technology and creating a supportive environment for inclusion and investment.

“From rural clinics offering visual consultations and learners accessing online education to township entrepreneurs taking full advantage of technological solutions to market their products beyond the boundaries of our country, we have seen its true impact here at home,” he said.

Meng said that Huawei’s goal is clear: to accelerate South Africa’s journey to industrial digital intelligence, driving innovation that boosts productivity and ensures long-term competitiveness.

“Technology is a tool for people, empowering communities, uplifting lives and building a brighter future.”

Further, as intelligent transformation becomes central to industry evolution, Huawei Cloud is dedicated to offering AI-native cloud services, with its cloud-first approach enabling AI innovation across sectors.

“By innovating with our customers and partners together to accelerate AI-driven innovations and implementing our ‘Cloud for AI’ and ‘AI for Cloud’ strategies, we aim to expedite intelligent transformation across industries in South Africa,” said Huawei Cloud VP Joy Huang.

However, successful adoption depends on more than infrastructure and platforms, said Huawei global chief public services industry scientist Hong-Eng Koh.

“Digital transformation is not about technology; it is about transforming your business to make it relevant. But getting ready for the intelligent world requires several critical elements to ensure success – governance and structures must reflect this evolving landscape, laws and regulation must be protective without being restrictive, and we must invest in skills and talent, security and sovereignty and sustainability.”

Meanwhile, BCX CEO Jonas Bogoshi said that, to remain relevant in a changing world, value must be created at scale, which requires investment in digital technology.

“For South Africa to truly benefit, isolated innovations will not suffice. We need to focus on building ecosystems that digitise public services, improve lives, reduce inequality and develop digital talent,” he said.

“Therefore, we need to invest in technology that will allow enterprises to become a node in a more connected, more intelligent economy. Only then can we realise the full dividend of digital transformation.”

Huawei South Africa Enterprise Business CEO Gene Zhang highlighted how the company’s strategy has evolved through key phases: from building foundational connectivity, to cloud adoption, and now embracing an All Intelligence strategy.