By Michel Haoses.
In a significant step to boost digital inclusion and ICT talent development, Huawei Technologies last week announced the launch of the Namibia ICT Talent Programme for 2024/2025 and the Digital Rural Plus Programme implemented by Namibia University of Science and Technology.
This announcement was made during the unveiling of the programmes at Huawei Headquarters in Beijing, China during an official visit by President Nangolo Mbumba and his delegation last week.
ICT Talent Programme will see Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) play a strategic role in the education and upskilling of future ICT professionals which will be driven through the Huawei ICT Academy hosted at NUST, while also training over 1000 students through a joint operation with the Ministries of Information and Communication and Technology as well as the Ministry of Youth.
Ten talented students from different institutions of higher learning in Namibia will be provided with scholarships by the Huawei Namibia ICT Talent Programme, that will allow them to pursue advanced studies in ICT and related fields.
In addition, the Huawei’s Digital Rural Plus Programme will introduce “smart classrooms” in rural areas by installing Huawei’s innovative “Ideahub” technology which will enable remote education and ensure that students in underprivileged areas have access to learning resources.
At the occasion, NUST Vice-Chancellor Dr Erold Naomab, who is part of the Namibian delegation accompanying President Mbumba to Beijing, emphasised the significance of the global launch as this moment affirms the university’s leadership in ICT development and education, which plays a critical role in enabling Namibian youth to drive digital economic transformation, including in the nation’s most underserved areas.
Huawei Technologies Managing Director for Namibia, Michael Zhang indicated that this initiative is part of Huawei’s ongoing commitment to contribute to Namibia’s digital transformation, particularly focusing on youth empowerment and bridging the digital divide.
“These strategic partnerships and commitment are set to increase digital inclusion in Namibia and is a significant step in the educational landscape of Namibia and beyond,” the university stated.
