In a significant move to address Kenya’s growing digital skills gap, Huawei has partnered with Equity Bank Kenya to establish a state-of-the-art Tech Academy. The academy located at the Open University of Kenya (OUK) aims to empower Kenyan youth with industry-relevant ICT skills, preparing them for the demands of the digital economy.
“This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to nurturing Kenya’s digital talent,” said Gavin Gao, CEO of Huawei Kenya. “By launching the Academy at OUK within Konza Technopolis, we are aligning with Kenya’s national vision for innovation and digital inclusion.”
Strategic Collaboration
This collaboration builds upon Huawei’s ongoing efforts to enhance ICT education in Kenya. Previously, the Chinese tech-conglomerate signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (SDTVET) to establish 150 ICT academies across the country.
The partnership with Equity Bank Kenya further strengthens this initiative by providing financial support and resources to ensure the academy’s success
Equity Bank CEO, Dr. James Mwangi highlighted the significance of the academy in unlocking opportunities. “Digital skills are essential for unlocking opportunity. Through this collaboration, we are ensuring that young people — particularly those who might be left behind — have a pathway to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”
Empowering Youth Through Education
Among areas of focus to be covered by this specialized training are; cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and networking. The program is designed to certify 1,000 students annually at the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) level and train 150 instructors each year through a Train-the-Trainer program.
The Huawei-Equity Bank Tech Academy will also facilitate industry-academia collaboration through annual ICT competitions, job fairs, and workshops. These events will connect students with potential employers and provide opportunities for hands-on experience, further enhancing their employability in the ICT sector.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
International partners such as Huawei have been instrumental in shaping and advancing digital literacy in Kenya through similar collaborations. The company entered a similar agreement with Zetech University to provide modern training equipment and establish Huawei ICT Academies.
Prof. Elijah Omwenga, Vice Channcelor OUK hailed the move, noting that it’s within the most appropriate tech nerve.
“Locating the Academy at OUK within Konza Technopolis reflects our role as a digital-first university. With Huawei’s technical expertise and Equity Group Foundation’s commitment to social transformation, we are creating a new model for accessible, future-ready education,” He said.
A Virtual Innovation Hub will also be established, giving students an opportunity to co-create technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges in areas such as agriculture, education, health, and fintech.