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Huawei Kenya, in partnership with Equity Group Foundation, Thursday announced the official launch of the Huawei ICT Academy at the Open University of Kenya (OUK) a transformative step toward equipping thousands of Kenyans with the digital skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century economy.
Strategically located at Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city and innovation hub, OUK is uniquely positioned to drive the country’s digital transformation agenda. The launch of the Huawei ICT Academy at this location reinforces Kenya’s ambition to become a leading regional hub for science, technology, and innovation.
This initiative comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s development. As the country accelerates its Digital Superhighway initiative under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the demand for skilled ICT professionals continues to outpace supply.
While Kenya is widely regarded as a tech leader in Africa, a significant digital skills gap persists, particularly among youth in underserved communities.
The Huawei ICT Academy aims to train over 10,000 students in globally competitive digital skills. Learners will have access to flexible, self-paced online courses in key areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Software Development. The Academy offers dual certification, combining academic qualifications with Huawei’s industry-recognized professional credentials.
A Virtual Innovation Hub will also be established, enabling students to co-create technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges in areas such as agriculture, education, health, and fintech.
In addition to digital skilling, the partnership supports digital health innovation through Equity Group Foundation’s health programs. Initiatives such as Telemedicine services aim to enhance healthcare delivery as part of the foundation’s broader social impact mission.
At the official handover ceremony held at Equity Centre, Gavin Gao, CEO of Huawei Kenya, presented the Academy plaque to Prof. Elijah Omwenga, Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya. The event was attended by Dr. James Mwangi, Chancellor of OUK and Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation.
“This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to nurturing Kenya’s digital talent,” said Gao. “By launching the Academy at OUK within Konza Technopolis, we are aligning with Kenya’s national vision for innovation and digital inclusion.”
Dr. Mwangi echoed the importance of inclusive education noting that: “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.”
Prof. Omwenga described the initiative as a major step in the evolution of higher education in Kenya.
“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.
