Outlook 2025: Lenovo Sees Immense Opportunity in Delivering Smarter Tech Solutions

Mohammed Hilili, the General Manager of Lenovo GULF, says Lenovo is committed to expanding its portfolio of AI-ready, AI-enabled, and AI-optimised devices

How did the industry and your company fare in 2024, and what were the key highlights?
At Lenovo, 2024 was defined by our commitment to our vision of ‘Smarter AI for All.’ Smarter AI isn’t just about deploying the latest models or increasing AI adoption—it’s about empowering our customers, partners, and communities worldwide. This vision guided our approach throughout the year, with significant milestones on both global and regional stages. We showcased our AI-driven capabilities at major events like Tech World 2024 and GITEX 2024, unveiling AI-driven infrastructure Solutions, Tailored AI Services, and Smart Devices designed to foster intelligent transformation.

These innovations reflect our dedication to creating inclusive, equitable, and smarter technologies that benefit users globally. Our partnerships further amplified our impact, including collaborations with Cisco to enhance AI-powered infrastructure, with Alat to develop innovative solutions, and as the official FIFA technology partner to elevate the digital experience in sports.

What opportunities do you foresee for 2025, and how do you plan to leverage them?
It is no secret that today’s employees are digital natives and want smarter technology. In fact, by 2025 64% of the global working population will be composed of millennials (born 1981 – 1996) and GenZ. Born with technology in their hands, these groups want consumer-grade technology experiences at work. To promote flexibility in where employees can work, leaders are investing in hardware and software that supports continuity under these evolving conditions.

At Lenovo, we see immense opportunity in delivering smarter technology solutions that cater to these expectations. With our comprehensive portfolio of cutting-edge hardware, AI-driven software, and tailored services, we are helping organisations create smarter, hybrid-friendly work environments. Our ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, and ThinkSmart solutions are specifically designed to enable productivity anywhere, offering robust security and unmatched performance.

We foresee significant opportunities arising from the region’s strong commitment to green energy and carbon neutrality. This shift will drive demand for advanced technology solutions in renewable energy management, AI-powered efficiency systems, and sustainable IT practices. As the region accelerates its green energy initiatives, Lenovo is uniquely positioned to empower businesses with cutting-edge technologies that not only support sustainability goals but also enhance operational efficiency and foster innovation. With our focus on intelligent transformation and environmentally conscious solutions, Lenovo is a trusted partner in building a smarter, greener future for the region.

What major challenges did you encounter in 2024, and how did you address them?
In 2024, one of the key challenges we observed was the increasing demand for AI-driven solutions coupled with the complexity of implementation. While AI is creating unprecedented opportunities for businesses, many organisations face hurdles such as limited resources, scalability concerns, and infrastructure complexities. These challenges revealed the need for holistic, accessible solutions that simplify the adoption and integration of AI technologies.

As one of the world’s leading technology companies, Lenovo is pioneering the use of AI to enhance our operations, so we can help other enterprises realise the same benefits. We call this initiative Lenovo Powers Lenovo: leveraging Lenovo technology, resources and intellectual capital to deliver transformative benefits. Building on the four pillars of AI-readiness—Security, People, Technology and Processes — we are enhancing every aspect of our operations: from manufacturing and knowledge work to customer services and sustainability. By transforming our operations, we’re creating a blueprint for success that will help organisations other organisations unlock the true potential of AI.

Which emerging technologies do you believe will be in high demand in 2025, and why?
Several emerging technologies are very likely to be in great demand by 2025. At Lenovo, we believe that the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning will be high, from personal devices up to enterprise solutions. We also expect a surge in Hybrid AI, integrating AI from device to data centre to cloud. Moreover, the AI-powered transformation of industries like healthcare, retail, transport, and manufacturing signifies the scaling-up of dependence on this technology for optimising operations with innovative capability.

Furthermore, there will be also an increase in demand for complex AI models, a high-performance computing infrastructure that includes edge computing or High-Performance Computing. This suggests a need for more powerful computational resources to harness AI’s potential. The proliferation of AI-ready and AI-optimised devices, from PCs to smartphones, is a surefire indicator of a future where customised and secure AI experiences are the norm. Furthermore, Lenovo’s commitment to responsible AI practices, including data privacy and ethical considerations, reflects a wider industry movement toward the development of trustworthy and sustainable AI technologies. Coupled with other areas and continuous advancements in AI hardware and software, these technologies will be essential drivers of innovation and growth by 2025.

What will be your primary focus areas and strategic priorities for 2025?
By 2025, Lenovo will focus its strategic priorities on furthering AI innovation and intelligent computing infrastructure. Lenovo positions itself as the leader in providing comprehensive end-to-end AI solutions to empower individuals, enterprises, and industries through its hybrid approach to AI. It involves upgrading personal devices with AI capabilities, expanding enterprise applications, and developing scalable, adaptive infrastructures such as edge computing and high-performance computing (HPC) to host complex AI models.

Beyond that, Lenovo is committed to driving industry transformation in verticals like healthcare, retail, transportation, and manufacturing by accelerating AI adoption and finding new growth opportunities. Lenovo will also expand its portfolio of AI-ready, AI-enabled, and AI-optimised devices, embedding advanced AI features into consumer and business products for always-on, always-personal, and always-secure user experiences.

Meanwhile, responsible AI practices remain part of Lenovo’s top agenda in terms of ethics, transparency, and human-centred design, with much attention given to data privacy, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Further, Lenovo aims to establish global manufacturing competencies and supply chain resilience, including regional headquarters and manufacturing sites, especially in strategic areas such as the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, to improve market share and operational agility. These initiatives support Lenovo’s vision to provide smarter technology for all with AI-driven innovation and societal impact.

Are there plans to explore new markets or introduce new products/applications to your portfolio in 2025?
Lenovo has plans to explore new markets and introduce new products or applications by 2025. We have signed a strategic framework agreement to expand its global manufacturing footprint, especially with a new state-of-the-art factory in Saudi Arabia, a move aimed at bolstering Lenovo’s presence in the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa-META region, indicating a focus on exploring and strengthening its market position in these areas.

Additionally, Lenovo is committed to expanding its portfolio of AI-ready, AI-enabled, and AI-optimised devices, including integrating advanced AI features into consumer and business products, such as personal intelligent agents and local LLMs, which point to the introduction of innovative products designed to deliver personalised and secure user experiences. These initiatives reflect Lenovo’s strategy to capitalise on growth opportunities within emerging markets and technology sectors, aligning with its vision of leveraging AI to drive innovation and transformation across industries.