As digital transformation rapidly takes hold in Africa, digital skills have become indispensable. To facilitate this shift, numerous organizations, businesses, and institutions are launching initiatives and programs aimed at bolstering digital literacy.

Chinese tech firm Huawei launched, last Monday, a two-week training program for teachers at the National Institute of Post, Information Technology, and Communication (INPTIC). The program aims to equip educators with essential digital skills and prepare them to obtain certification upon completion.

"By the end of this training, these teachers will be equipped with the necessary skills to pass on to their students," said Lee Nesta Veronne Komault, head of human resources at Huawei Gabon.

The initiative is part of Huawei's ICT Academy program, a school-business cooperation project designed to provide students with access to the latest technologies and ICT knowledge. 

According to the "Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa (SEPA) Action Plan, 2022–2025," published by the African Development Bank, Africa is expected to create 230 million digital jobs by 2030.

In addition to INPTIC, the training program will be conducted in other institutions across Gabon. Huawei aims to accelerate scientific and technological innovation on the continent by investing in knowledge development and talent cultivation. "By strengthening cooperation between schools and businesses, Huawei aims to align academic programs with industry sectors, course content with professional qualifications, teaching structures with production processes, and talent development with employment," the company explained.

Adoni Conrad Quenum