The HUAWEI Northern Africa Operations Transformation Forum (OTF) 2026 successfully concluded in Barcelona, gathering over 100 representatives from governments, telecom operators, and industry organizations. Under the theme “Unified Entry & All Intelligent Operations Ignite New Growth,” the forum focused on accelerating the digital and intelligent transformation across the African continent.
Launching the Pioneer Club 2.0
A pivotal moment of the event was the joint launch of the “Northern Africa Digital Operation Transformation Pioneer Club 2.0.” This initiative marks a strategic evolution in the region’s telecom industry, aiming to unite leaders and experts to scale digital maturity through shared best practices and cutting-edge AI integration.
Reshaping Value with AI and 5G
Lucas Lu, Vice President of Huawei Global Technical Service, emphasized in his opening keynote that the telecom industry is entering a “New Era of Intelligence.” He noted that operators must now reshape value creation and business models through AI-enabled end-to-end operations.
Eric Yuan, President of Huawei Northern Africa Delivery & Service, introduced Huawei’s E.B.O.I-driven solution (Entry, Business, Operations, and Infrastructure). This framework is specifically designed for African operators to:
- Enhance network performance using AI-driven O&M.
- Innovate user experiences through 5G infrastructure.
- Create “Super Apps” as unified entry points for digital life scenarios.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The forum featured high-level discussions with CXOs from leading regional operators, including Tunisie Telecom, Algeria Telecom, Ethio Telecom, and Moov Money Gabon. Experts reached a consensus that AI is no longer just an IT tool but a strategic imperative for turning cost centers into profit engines.
“AI-driven unified entry and end-to-end intelligent operations are no longer experimental—they are operational imperatives,” stated Jim Liu, President of Huawei Northern Africa Carrier Business, during the closing address.
Key Takeaways for African Operators:
The transition toward an “Intelligent Platform” model allows operators to monetize data effectively and build robust ecosystems. By deploying AI Agents, operators can offer a new level of immersive experience to users, driving sustainable growth in the competitive digital landscape.
