The Smart Village project is the culmination of Hichilema's official visit to China last September.

As part of the Smart Village project, Huawei will deliver solar energy, a telecoms network, and internet services to approximately 150 000 pupils in Zambia.

Last Friday, President Hakainde Hichilema launched the program at a community in the Southern province.

The project, which was launched in Muchila, will be expanded throughout Zambia's nine other provinces, with a vow to focus on all rural communities around the country.

The Smart Village project is the culmination of Hichilema's official visit to China last September, during which he advocated for smart communities to increase connectivity.

Huawei, the scheme's chosen partner, is one of China's major global tech companies.

Phil Li, Vice President at Huawei Southern Africa, said apart from enhancing connectivity, the project would enable reliable and sustainable energy for the communities.

He said the company is committed to ensure that the project aligns with Vision 2030 to develop the country.

Wang Sheng, Chinese embassy’s chief of mission, encouraged companies from his country operating in Zambia to invest in the development of rural areas.

“Investing in rural areas promotes people's livelihood and corporate social responsibility,” the envoy said.