In a significant step towards fostering digital inclusion and information communication technology (ICT) talent development, Huawei Technologies this week announced the launch of Namibia ICT Talent Programme for 2024-2025. This includes the Digital Rural Plus Programme, implemented by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust). 

The announcement took place at the unveiling of the programmes at Huawei headquarters in Beijing, China during an official visit by President Nangolo Mbumba and his delegation last week.

The Namibia ICT Talent Programme will see Nust play a strategic role in the education and upskilling of Namibia’s future ICT professionals and will be driven through the Huawei ICT Academy hosted at Nust, while also training over 1 000 students through a joint operation with the ministries of information communication and technology as well as the youth ministry.  The Huawei Namibia ICT Talent Programme at Nust will further provide scholarships to talented students from 10 different institutions of higher education in Namibia, allowing them to pursue advanced studies in ICT and related fields. 

In addition, the embedded Huawei’s Digital Rural Plus Programme will introduce “smart classrooms” in rural areas by installing Huawei’s innovative
“Ideahub” technology. This will enable remote education and ensure students in underprivileged areas have the same access to learning resources as their peers in urban centres.

At the occasion in China, Nust vice chancellor, Erold Naomab, who was part of the Namibian delegation, emphasised the significance of the global launch. 

He underscored the moment and affirmed 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. 

“As a leading educational institution, Nust is proud to be at the forefront of these developments. This collaboration underscores Nust’s ongoing mission to produce highly skilled graduates who can meet the demands of the global digital economy and contribute to Namibia’s socio-economic development,” Naomab said. Huawei Technologies Managing Director for Namibia, Michael Zhang, said the initiative is part of Huawei’s ongoing commitment to contribute to Namibia’s digital transformation, with a particular focus on youth empowerment and bridging the digital divide. Zhang added that the strategic partnership and commitment is set to increase digital inclusion in Namibia and has a significant impact on the educational landscape of Namibia and beyond.