Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
- Huawei says AI could add R1.4-trillion and create 400,000 jobs in South Africa by 2030.
- The company says better internet, digital systems and worker training are needed before those gains can happen.
Artificial intelligence could create up to 400,000 jobs and add R1.4-trillion to South Africa’s economy by 2030, Huawei says.
But the company warned that weak internet access, poor digital systems and a shortage of trained workers could stop the country from gaining the full benefits.
Huawei shared the figures at its South Africa Connect 2026 event in Johannesburg.
Communications and digital technologies minister Solly Malatsi said the government and businesses must work together to connect more people and make devices cheaper.
“We should see AI as one of the greatest opportunities of our time to solve some of our most pressing developmental challenges,” he said, TimesLive reported.
Huawei South Africa CEO Will Meng said AI cannot grow without strong internet networks, useful data and businesses that already use digital tools.
The company says South Africa should first connect more people, then help businesses and government use data better before bringing AI into daily work.
Huawei deputy general manager Kui Zheng said AI was already showing results in South Africa.
He pointed to a rail security system that cut cable theft by 80%.
But fewer than 35% of South African businesses have worked out how AI could help them use their data, Zheng said.
South Africa could also face a shortage of about 200,000 AI and information and communications technology workers by 2030.
Huawei says its South African network reaches 85-million cellphone users and connects more than 100 hospitals and 3,000 schools.
The company believes AI could become one of South Africa’s biggest money and job opportunities, but only if the country fixes its internet, data and skills gaps.
Pictured above: The Huawei Connect event in South Africa.
Image source: Huawei/Facebook
