Twenty-five Kenyan students have recently concluded an intensive week of digital technology immersion in Shanghai, China, under Huawei’s acclaimed Seeds for the Future program. The initiative, aimed at bolstering digital acumen, coincided with the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2024, marking a pivotal step in Huawei’s ongoing commitment to foster tech talent across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The cohort, selected from various universities, participated in a series of workshops and hands-on projects, culminating in a group initiative dubbed ‘Tech4Good‘. This project focused on leveraging technology to tackle prevailing social and environmental challenges, showcasing the students’ ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, community-centric solutions.
Among the bright minds, Sylvia Jebet from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology stood out, securing second place at the 2024 Leadership Employability Advancement Possibility (LEAP) Summit. Jebet was recognized for her exceptional skills in digital content creation, a testament to her innovative approach during the tour. Her projects included comprehensive digital narratives featuring visits to the Huawei Watt Exhibition Hall and the DJI R&D center in Shenzhen, among others.
Expanding Horizons
The study tour provided the students with an opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology firsthand. Visits to Huawei’s Songshan Lake and other tech hubs offered them insights into the global tech landscape and the potential of digital technology in fostering sustainable development.
“Experiencing Huawei’s global infrastructure and working alongside their engineers gave us a unique glimpse into the future of technology,” said one of the participants, reflecting on the impact of the exposure to world-class tech environments.
Huawei’s Broader Vision
At the MWC Shanghai 2024, Huawei announced an ambitious plan to train an additional 150,000 talents in digital skills across Sub-Saharan Africa over the next three years. This initiative is part of Huawei’s broader strategy to enhance digital competence in the region, building upon their initial goal of training over 100,000 individuals—a target already surpassed by 20%, ten months ahead of schedule.
Hover Gao, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the collaborative nature of Huawei’s educational initiatives. “Our progress in talent development across African countries would not have been possible without the joint efforts of government agencies, academia, and industry partners,” said Gao. Under the LEAP framework, Huawei not only provides training but also fosters a nurturing ecosystem that includes incubations for teachers and job fairs aimed at integrating trained individuals into the tech workforce.
A Sustainable Future
The LEAP Summit 2024 focused on ‘ICT Talent and Sustainable Development for Sub-Saharan Africa’, underscoring the critical role of skilled human resources in driving sustainable growth. The summit convened stakeholders from across the continent, facilitating discussions on how best to harness ICT for economic and social advancement.
With over 18,000 individuals trained from countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana, Huawei’s educational impact in Africa is profound. The company’s efforts are set to not only elevate the tech capabilities of individuals but also enhance the overall digital landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa.
As these Kenyan students return, they bring with them not only enhanced skills but also a renewed zeal to contribute to their communities, poised to become the next leaders in the technological transformation of Africa.
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