To address digital skills gaps in Sub-Saharan Africa, Huawei has announced plans to train an additional 150,000 individuals by 2027.
The initiative expands upon their earlier goal to equip 100,000 people with digital skills by 2025, which they have already surpassed ahead of schedule.
In 2022, African countries scored between 1.8 and five on the Digital Skills Gap Index. This is below the global average of six.
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Experts in the education and ICT sectors state that for young people in Africa to compete with their peers in the global job market, early introduction to digital skills has the potential to give them an advantage as they prepare for the modern workplace.
Critical need for digital upskilling
Huawei’s announcement was made during the LEAP Summit 2024 in Shanghai, co-hosted by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). The summit convened high-ranking ministers from African nations, emphasizing the critical need for digital upskilling in the region.
According to Jeff Wang, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at Huawei, the company’s LEAP Digital Talent Development Program has been instrumental in exceeding initial targets, reflecting a commitment to inclusive and progressive talent development strategies.
John OMO, Secretary General of the ATU, stressed the importance of empowering individuals through digital skills development, enabling them to fully participate in the digital economy.
Minister Counselor He Hongyan from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the program’s role in fostering China-Africa cooperation and promoting inclusive economic growth through digital empowerment.
Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, emphasized the necessity of global cooperation to address the digital skills gap and achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Dr Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera, Minister of Information Communication Technology from Zimbabwe, praised the collaborative nature of the summit, highlighting partnerships as crucial for maximizing ICT benefits across Africa.
The summit also unveiled the Digital Badge program, allowing participants to showcase their certifications on social media platforms to enhance visibility to potential employers.
