Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei has partnered with the Ugandan government to host the second job fair in the country to boost employment among the youth in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who presided over the launch of the event in the capital of Kampala Tuesday, acknowledged the importance of ICT in steering the country to greater heights and expressed a welcome for the investment and technology brought by Huawei.
“I support ICT. Electronics is a huge step for the human race, but Africa must use it in the right context to build an economy that is independent, integrated, and self-sustaining,” he said.
According to Minister for ICT and National Guidance Chris Baryomunsi, the two-day event, being held under the theme of “Navigating the Digital Horizon,” is expected to provide thousands of jobs and internship opportunities for the youth after a successful inaugural event in August last year.
“Uganda’s demographic dividend lies in its youthful population, with over 70 percent of our citizens falling within the youth category. However, we acknowledge the challenges that our youth face, particularly when it comes to unemployment,” Baryomunsi said. “It is our responsibility to provide our young people with opportunities that will not only empower them but also contribute to the growth of our country.”
Xie Qiuxiang, the managing director of Huawei Technologies Uganda, said various industry partners offered more than 1,000 job opportunities in various forms last year. “Huawei offered 15 internship positions, and these 15 interns have now become our full-time employees.”
“This year, we will continue to offer another 15 internship opportunities. In addition, we will also provide 500 advanced ICT technologies training quotas for free for those who register with us from this job fair and beyond,” Xie added.
He also said they are currently working on the 5G network, which will enable Uganda to have the fastest speed, the lowest tariff, and the best experience in communication network in East Africa.
“Over the past few years, we have cooperated with 15 universities in Uganda to set up ICT academies. Each year, we train about 50,000 Ugandans in the most advanced ICT technologies,” he said.
According to Xie, the other activities being implemented by Huawei in Uganda include organizing ICT competitions where Ugandan teams compete at the global level. The company is also engaged in providing ICT training using a DigiTruck, which is currently training women and youth with ICT skills in eastern Uganda to enable them to sell agricultural products online and apply for jobs.
“I believe that ICT technologies will make a significant contribution to Uganda’s economic development and people’s well-being. Together, let us build an intelligent Uganda,” Xie said.Â
