CEO of Huawei South Africa, Will Meng. Picture: Wired2Tech
Huawei South Africa CEO Will Meng told delegates at Huawei Connect 2026 that South Africa’s digital future will depend on how society harnesses technology.
“Technology by itself does not guarantee progress, but it does create possibility,” he said, noting that artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and next‑generation connectivity are already reshaping industries, governments, and entrepreneurship.
The challenge, he argued, is ensuring these possibilities translate into jobs, stronger businesses, better schools, and improved healthcare.
Digital inclusion as an economic imperative
Meng stressed that digital inclusion is no longer a technical goal but a national priority. “South Africa cannot afford a future where digital opportunities are determined by geography, income, or circumstance,” he warned.
He highlighted township innovation hubs, rural classrooms, and startups as the country’s true competitive advantage.
“Our ambition is not merely to connect people to the internet, but to connect them to opportunity,” Meng said. He emphasized affordable connectivity, access to smart devices, and investment in digital skills such as coding, robotics, and lifelong learning as essential to meaningful participation.
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Partnerships and responsible AI
Meng underscored the importance of collaboration between government and industry. “Our greatest successes will come from partnerships that combine public purpose with private innovation,” he said.
On artificial intelligence, he urged a balanced approach.
“We must harness AI responsibly, not as a trend to be feared, but as one of the greatest opportunities of our time.” He insisted that innovation must be accompanied by ethics, transparency, and accountability to restore public trust.
Optimism with urgency
Closing his address, Meng struck a note of urgency.
“Optimism alone will not deliver the future we seek. That future will be built through bold decisions, sustained investment, and meaningful collaboration,” he said.
He framed digital transformation as a pathway to opportunity, dignity, and shared prosperity for every South African, insisting that no citizen should be left
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