Huawei Unveils Smart Warehouse in Joburg to Lead Africa’s Logistics Transformation

Huawei South Africa has officially opened a state-of-the-art smart warehouse in Johannesburg, marking a major step in the company’s mission to modernise logistics across the African continent. The 14,000-square-metre facility is part of Huawei’s broader strategy to streamline its supply chain and introduce cutting-edge technologies that support efficiency, sustainability, and safety.

According to Huawei, the new warehouse isn’t just a company milestone—it’s a vision of the future of logistics in Africa.

“Huawei is transforming Africa’s logistics sector by introducing intelligent systems to enhance efficiency and reduce costs,” the company stated. “This smart warehouse represents the future of the industry and showcases Huawei’s commitment to innovation in Africa.”

A Strategic Investment in Africa’s Supply Chain

Will Meng, CEO of Huawei South Africa, pointed to the impressive growth of the South African logistics sector, valued at $93 billion in 2024 and expected to grow to $157 billion by 2032.

“This growth signifies more than just numbers,” Meng said. “It represents a transformation towards more agile, responsive, and technologically advanced supply chains, which are essential for maintaining a competitive edge.”

Inside the Smart Warehouse: Huawei’s GEM Framework

At the heart of the new warehouse’s operations is Huawei’s GEM framework—an integrated system made up of:

• Green Power Solutions

• E-Security Systems

• Modern Logistics Technologies

These elements come together in a digital warehouse management system that enables automation of up to 60% of daily processes.

Green Power

The facility is powered in large part by an on-site 150KWp solar PV system, using Huawei’s SUN2000-100KTL-M2 inverters. This system supplies 90% of the warehouse’s daytime energy needs, making it one of the most environmentally friendly logistics hubs on the continent.

E-Security

Security is driven by a 24/7 AI-enabled camera system that ensures full-colour coverage, detects safety risks in real-time, and removes the need for bulky control rooms—freeing up more space for product storage and operations.

Modern Logistics

Traditional pick-and-pack methods have been replaced with 100% paperless, real-time PDA scanning systems. The warehouse also features Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Guided Forklifts (AGFs) that have boosted overall efficiency by up to 80%, compared to traditional warehouses.

“These intelligent AI-led solutions allow the facility to achieve an overall increase in efficiency of between 70% and 80%,” said Stevin John Du Plessis, logistics manager for Huawei South Africa’s Supply Chain Business.

A Blueprint for Logistics Across Africa

By combining sustainability, smart security, and advanced logistics, Huawei believes this warehouse sets a new standard for logistics companies operating across Africa. The GEM framework, it says, offers a scalable, efficient, and environmentally responsible model for future warehouse developments across the continent.

“Huawei’s innovative approach to warehousing solutions not only optimises our operations—it creates a blueprint for modern warehousing in Africa,” the company concluded.

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