Huawei Champions Digital Transformation at Northern Africa OTF 2026 in Barcelona
On March 1, 2023, Huawei hosted the Northern Africa Operations Transformation Forum (OTF) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, attracting over 100 key stakeholders from government, telecommunications, and industry organizations. The event centered around the theme: “Unified Entry & All Intelligent Operations Ignite New Growth,” aiming to explore the future of digital transformation within the African telecom sector.
The gathering highlighted Huawei’s commitment to supporting operators in North Africa as they navigate the complexities of digital and intelligent transformation. A significant feature of the event was the launch of the “Northern Africa Digital Operation Transformation Pioneer Club 2.0,” a new initiative designed to foster collaboration and share best practices among industry leaders.
Lucas Lu, Huawei’s Vice President of Global Technical Services, kicked off the forum with an insightful opening address. He noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful force reshaping the telecom landscape, empowering operators to redefine value creation, enhance user experiences, and innovate business models through digital and AI-driven services. Lu emphasized that the advent of AI marks the beginning of an era where telecom operations are increasingly intelligent and interconnected.
Aaron Boasman, Vice President of TM Forum, echoed these sentiments, stating that the integration of AI transforms telecom operators from mere “traffic pipes” to sophisticated “intelligent platforms.” He highlighted that those who embrace AI for network operations and customer care will turn traditional cost centers into profit-generating vehicles, fundamentally altering how they interact with users.
Eric Yuan, President of Huawei Northern Africa Delivery & Service, further elaborated on the company’s strategic vision. He presented Huawei’s innovative E.B.O.I-driven model (Entry, Business, Operations, and Infrastructure), designed to support African operators in reshaping their business frameworks amid the rapid advancements of AI and 5G technologies. Yuan underlined how AI could streamline networks, refine user experiences, enhance operations and maintenance, and enrich digital life solutions—creating “Super Apps” that revolutionize how consumers engage with services.
Several industry leaders joined the conversation, including Yin Shaochun from China Unicom, who shared insights on the transformative role of AI and cloud services. Bruk Adhana from Ethio Telecom and Lassaad Ben Dhieb from TUNISIE TELECOM GROUP highlighted the robust growth and innovation driven by 5G infrastructure, reinforcing its critical role in the digital landscape.
In a roundtable discussion, Chris Meng, President of Huawei Northern Africa ICT Marketing and Solution Sales, along with various Chief Experience Officers (CXOs), examined AI’s influence on network operations. The panel reached a consensus that AI has become more than just a technology; it is now a strategic necessity for telecom operators. By leveraging AI, operators can enhance cost efficiencies while exploring opportunities for data monetization and evolving toward a more interconnected ecosystem.
The discussions culminated with the collaborative launch of the “Northern Africa Digital Operation Transformation Pioneer Club 2.0” led by industry luminaries including Lucas Lu, Jim Liu, President of Huawei Northern Africa Carrier Business, and representatives from Algeria Telecom and Gabon Moov Money. The initiative aims to unify operators and specialists across the region, accelerating the move towards digital and intelligent transformation.
Jim Liu provided poignant closing remarks, summarizing the event’s key takeaways. He stressed that AI-driven operational frameworks and intelligent services are no longer optional; they are essential for telecom operators aiming to thrive in the modern landscape. By embracing these advancements, operators not only expedite their growth but also usher in new value propositions for their users across Africa.
As the telecom industry in Northern Africa gears up for this technological transformation, the insights and collaborative spirit fostered at the Huawei OTF 2026 forum signal a promising future for digital innovation in the region.
— Reported by Nexio News
