- Huawei has launched its Seeds of the Future 2023 programme.
- Started locally in 2016, Huawei says 102 students have benefitted from the programme.
- This year Huawei has recruited 12 outstanding candidates from universities.
At an event held at its Woodmead campus last week, Huawei officially launched its Seeds of the Future 2023 programme.
The programme, which kicked off in South Africa in collaboration with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), has seen 102 students benefit from receiving industry-relevant skills and mentoring, with a specific focus on digitalisation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
This year, Huawei has recruited 12 candidates from universities in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the North West, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, and Gauteng, with the Seeds of the Future 2023 programme also targeting a 50-50 gender split, the company confirmed.
“Undoubtedly, South Africa’s digital economy development depends on ICT infrastructure development, but without an abundant and sustainable ICT talent supply, the target will be too far to reach. I trust that is why the DCDT has been engaging with all partners to develop the ICT skills for the youth. Huawei is honoured to be one of the important partners in this journey,” enthused Kian Chen, Deputy CEO of Huawei South Africa (pictured above).
“Together, we must ensure that the benefits of the digital age are accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstances. Scaling up skills development to support innovation and the digital revolution is an investment in the future. It’s not only about empowering individuals with the tools to succeed but also about driving economic growth and societal progress,” added Deputy Minister of the DCDT, Philly Mapulane, who was present at the event.
With Seeds of the Future being one of several local initiatives that Huawei has stuck with in recent years, here’s hoping more will continue to be done in terms of addressing the country’s digital skills gap.
[Images – Provided]
