Huawei Unveils AI-Powered Green Logistics Hub in Johannesburg

Huawei has launched a new AI-driven smart warehouse in Johannesburg, its first logistics facility of its kind on the African continent, combining solar energy, intelligent security systems, and fully automated operations.

The Chinese technology giant officially opened the new centre this week, positioning the site as a strategic hub to streamline Huawei’s operations across southern Africa. The facility merges cutting-edge technology with sustainable energy solutions at a time when energy insecurity continues to challenge businesses across South Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Huawei South Africa CEO Will Meng described the investment as a commitment to both innovation and sustainability. “This smart warehouse will ensure a continuous supply chain flow, while supporting our customers and partners with green energy and advanced logistics solutions,” he said.

Huawei’s global footprint includes over 1,400 warehouses covering five million square metres, with similar smart facilities established in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East regions. However, the Johannesburg site marks a first for the continent — and Huawei hopes it will help spark greater innovation across South Africa’s warehousing and logistics industries.

A facility built on ‘GEM’ principles

The new centre is anchored on three key pillars, dubbed GEM: Green Energy, E-Security, and Modern Logistics.

Solar panels installed across the facility will generate significant savings and sustainability benefits. Huawei estimates that full roof coverage could save approximately R5.7 million (US$302,000) annually, offsetting the warehouse’s entire electricity needs — and potentially feeding surplus energy back into the grid.

“Given South Africa’s ongoing energy challenges, investing in green power was a clear priority,” Meng said.

Security at the facility has also undergone a digital overhaul. Moving away from traditional human security personnel, Huawei has implemented a network of 200 AI-enabled surveillance cameras. Inside the warehouse, 60 cameras ensure comprehensive coverage without blind spots, with the system designed to detect irregularities and alert operators instantly.

“This is now a 100% accurate warehouse operation — human errors and interference are swiftly flagged by our AI,” said Stevin du Plessis, logistics manager at Huawei South Africa.

Du Plessis added that intelligent automation underpins the warehouse’s daily operations. Instead of relying on manual pickers, the facility is run by five automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and three automated forklifts (AGFs), leading to a 70% improvement in inbound logistics capacity and an 80% increase in outbound flow.

By transitioning to a goods-to-person picking model, Huawei has also boosted pick-line efficiency by 60% — jumping from 80 lines per hour to 110.

Seamless connectivity, reduced risks

Ensuring uninterrupted connectivity is essential for such a highly automated operation. Du Plessis said Huawei deployed advanced Wi-Fi routing technology throughout the site to eliminate downtime risks and maintain consistent communication between systems.

Centralising the flow of goods has also helped reduce occupational hazards by limiting unnecessary human intervention, he added.

The Johannesburg facility is the latest demonstration of how Huawei is reshaping logistics through technology, with the company betting that AI and green energy can address some of South Africa’s most urgent economic challenges.

“Our hope is that this warehouse becomes a model — encouraging wider industry collaboration in building a smarter, more sustainable future,” Meng said.