PORT-LOUIS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese high-tech company Huawei launched its digital skills development program on Thursday in Ebene, 15 km south of Mauritius' capital Port Louis, with the aim of enhancing the information and communications technology (ICT) skills of over 1,000 individuals within a year.
Zheng Kui, chief executive officer of Huawei Mauritius, said the company stays committed to ICT skills transfer and talent development in the island country.
"ICT has become an indispensable part of people's lives, work, education and entertainment. Digitization is deeply ingrained in society," he said. "Through this program, we aim to nurture more youth leaders in ICT who can explore diverse opportunities for themselves, their families, communities, and ultimately, their nations."
The DigiTalent program, designed to address a country's digital talent needs, focuses on cultivating robust digital leadership and a proficient ICT workforce. It aims to build a digital talent pool and enhance digital literacy among citizens. The program encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, including ICT training, certification courses, government digital capacity building and ICT skills competitions.
Huawei initiated its DigiTalent program in Mauritius two years ago, providing training and employment prospects for young Mauritian individuals. Since then, Huawei has contributed to advancing the ICT skills of more than 1,000 people across the island.
During the launch event, Mauritian Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation Deepak Balgobin said "Huawei's program is essential to propel us into the digital era. We need to be deliberate and intentional about propelling our country forward. We require innovation, support for local innovators, and the promotion of our platforms across the continent to achieve scale and bolster our economies."
A World Bank study on digital skills in sub-Saharan Africa predicts that by 2030, over 230 million jobs in the region will necessitate digital skills. ■