Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics company Huawei has joined a growing list of global companies that are setting up hubs to power the technology and startup ecosystem in Africa.
In a joint venture with Konza Technopolis Development Authority, Huawei is building Konza Innovation Hub at Machakos University in Kenya.
According to a joint statement by the two companies, the hub is meant to put more fire in research and innovations among students and researchers at the university and, with time, across the country.
The development comes after other global companies have also supported such projects in Africa, for instance, HP, which rolled out HP LIFE Center in South Africa, and Boeing, which is constructing a STEM education center in Egypt.
Speaking at the launch of Konza innovation hub, Eng. John Tanui, the chief executive officer Konza Technopolis Development Authority, said that in order to foster future leaders there was a need to create an environment that facilitates “quality education and an innovative culture.”
“Expanding opportunities so that children can reach their full potential in “tech” adoption is not only a “right” thing to do, but also makes good economic sense hence the STEM Bootcamp." @tanuijohn #InnovateAtKonza pic.twitter.com/cNn0tL3o7U
— Konza Technopolis (@konzatech) December 7, 2018
“We believe the Konza innovation hub we launch here today will be a catalyst towards shaping tomorrows ideas and inventions,” he added.
The hub was launched alongside another innovation forum, Konza Innovation Ecosystem Forum, intended to spur an innovation ecosystem in Kenya and expand opportunities to help youths reach their full potential through Bootcamps and hackathons.
The innovation forum will bring together government agencies, the academia, local communities, and civil society and industry stakeholders to cast a spotlight on and address innovation challenges in the country.
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