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Huawei South Africa Connect 2025 accelerates Industrial Digital Intelligence for South Africa
At the event, Solly Malatsi, Hon. Minister of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, noted that South Africa has developed four measurable ministerial priorities: 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.
These four priorities aim to build an innovative and high-performing digital ecosystem for all South Africans.
Huawei has held the Huawei South Africa Connect 2025 event in Johannesburg, South Africa. Themed‘ Accelerate Industrial Digital Intelligence for South Africa’, the event attracted over 2,900 participants from the South African government, industry customers and partners.
South Africa has placed digital inclusion at the heart of its developmental agenda.
Will Meng, CEO of Huawei South Africa, stated in his welcome speech, that:“ Digital transformation is more than technology – It’ s the engine of national progress. Our goal is clear: to accelerate South Africa’ s journey to industrial digital intelligence, driving innovation, boosting productivity and ensuring long-term competitiveness.”
With cloud and AI being a key driving force for industry innovation and economic growth, Joy Huang, Vice President of Huawei Cloud, said:“ Huawei Cloud is dedicated to offering AI-native cloud services. By implementing the‘ Cloud for AI’ and‘ AI for Cloud’ strategies, we aim to expedite the intelligent transformation across industries in South Africa.”
IHS South Africa and Project Isizwe launch free uncapped public Wi-Fi in KwaMashu
IHS South Africa has launched a public Wi-Fi initiative in KwaMashu, Durban in collaboration with Project Isizwe. This initiative provides unlimited, free Internet access to local residents, students, jobseekers and entrepreneurs.
In a country where over 15 million people( roughly 21 % of the population) still lack Internet access, youth unemployment stands at 60 % and small businesses often have limited access to affordable digital tools, connectivity is crucial and has the power to promote education, create job opportunities and support community development.
Preceding the launch event, held at the KwaMashu G Community Hall, 10 unemployed youths from KwaMashu received digital and ICT-related training facilitated by IHS South Africa’ s partner Social Coding. Through a five-day training programme, they were introduced to various skills relating to virtual reality technologies, mobile applications, exhibition management techniques, effective communication, customer service and technical troubleshooting. These new skills and technologies were presented during the launch ceremony to local community members through 10 interactive stands.
Following the launch, digital engagement will shift to local primary schools, featuring a specialised robotics showcase for younger audiences.
Sandile Msimango, CEO, IHS South Africa, commented:“ Connectivity is more than a luxury; it is a lifeline. This initiative is not just about providing Internet; it’ s about empowering a community with essential resources for education, economic growth and comprehensive digital inclusion.”
10 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www. intelligentcio. com