On July 5, 2024, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, attended the Official Launch Ceremony of Muchila Smart Village Project. Mr. Wang Sheng, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, representatives from Huawei Technologies, Minister of Technology and Science, Minister of Education and other ministers were present.

Mr. Wang said in his speech that the project is a practical action taken by a Chinese company to implement the outcomes of the state visit to China last September by President Hichilema, reflecting the 3 features of China-Zambia cooperation, namely priority to the well-being of the people,a greater focus on science and technology and a future-oriented approach. More achievements are expected during the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).

President Hichilema thanked H.E. President Xi Jinping, Chinese government and businesses for their strong support. He said that the project aims to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the digital transformation and education development of Zambia. He called on the local people to protect the asset of the Zambia-China friendship.

During the ceremony, Huawei signed a cooperation letter of intent with the Zambian line ministries. President Hichilema visited solar power generation equipment, a communication tower and a smart classroom.

Smart Village is a project built by Huawei targeted at 100 villages in Zambia to provide electricity and internet access, and set up remote education and medical platforms. Once completed, it will help promote long-term development of Zambia’s rural areas.