(DDM) — Huawei has called on African governments, telecom operators, and digital-economy stakeholders to take decisive steps toward accelerating the continent’s digital transformation.
The appeal came from Song Xiaodi, president of Huawei’s small-cell product line, during his keynote address at AfricaCom 2025, where he highlighted three essential opportunities capable of shaping a fully digital Africa.
Song emphasised that the global digital economy has become a primary engine of development, adding that Africa stands on the brink of a major technological leap if the right investments and policies are prioritised.
DDM gathered that his message centred on Africa’s opportunity to boost connectivity, improve user experience on advanced networks, and pursue sustainable green-energy solutions as foundations for long-term digital growth.
Song stated that more than 170 countries have already launched digital strategies and that Africa’s own ambitions are increasingly assertive.
He revealed that Huawei research projects Africa’s digital economy to expand by nearly six times by the year 2050, a projection he described as evidence of the continent’s untapped potential.
First, Song urged African stakeholders to strengthen ubiquitous connectivity, describing it as the fundamental pillar of any meaningful digital transition.
He explained that the social and economic value of mobile networks multiplies once they are supported by digitalised systems and applications.
He illustrated his point with examples of how improved network coverage could transform rural communities, from enabling farmers to reach customers online to delivering virtual learning opportunities for children in underserved regions.
He referenced Indonesia’s Papua region, where enhanced connectivity unlocked digital access for thousands of people in isolated communities.
Second, he highlighted the need to improve user experience and fully harness 5G technology.
According to Song, Africa is entering an era where digital experience, rather than basic access, will define economic opportunity.
He predicted wider adoption of immersive technologies such as naked-eye 3D, 4K and 8K video, and free-viewpoint content, all of which require stronger network performance.
He noted that better services also provide telecom operators with new avenues for increasing revenue and strengthening business models.
To demonstrate this potential, he cited a Thai network operator that boosted its average revenue per user by 15% through strategic 5G upgrades and refined pricing structures.
Third, Song underscored the need for green development as part of Africa’s digital journey.
He argued that environmental sustainability does not hinder progress but instead enhances economic stability while delivering long-term benefits.
He pointed to Huawei’s renewable-energy initiative in Mali, where solar-powered base stations have reduced annual carbon emissions by 10 tons and lowered operational expenses for operators by €20 000.
He explained that such sustainable solutions also make it easier to extend network coverage into remote areas.
Song concluded by noting that Africa is advancing rapidly from 3G to newer generations of mobile technology, even as economic uncertainties persist globally.
He maintained that technological innovation offers the greatest certainty for Africa’s future, and Huawei remains committed to supporting African operators as they expand infrastructure, build digital value chains, and drive unprecedented levels of productivity across the continent.
He urged African leaders and industry players to work collaboratively toward a modern, 5G-enabled, low-carbon digital ecosystem capable of powering long-term economic transformation.
