29/11/2024 - Safaricom and Huawei Kenya Celebrate Graduation of AI Training Challenge Participants

Safaricom Women in Technology and Huawei Kenya Women in Technology celebrated the graduation of 70 participants from their AI Training Challenge program. This two-month training initiative, held from July to September 2024 under the Huawei ICT Academy Pillar, targeted university students—primarily women—pursuing STEM-related courses.

Graduate Hope Mutanu expressed her gratitude, saying: "Being a part of this incredible program has been my highlight this year. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. The Safaricom and Huawei teams made the entire program smooth and accessible, always being friendly and approachable—something rare in the industry. I’m excited to apply the knowledge and soft skills I’ve gained to make an impact.”

The program aligns with Safaricom and Huawei’s commitment to fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within STEM fields. Their collaborative efforts have led to an increase in women pursuing technical roles and STEM degrees in universities, contributing to industry diversity across professional levels.
Both organizations attribute these achievements to impactful initiatives like training and mentorship programs. The longstanding partnership between Safaricom and Huawei continues to create opportunities for women in technology, nurturing future leaders in STEM.

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today~ Malcom X. Today, we celebrate the platform co-created by Safaricom Women in Technology and Huawei Women in Technology. This initiative inspires passion and equips participants to seize opportunities as technologists, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Together, we steer Safaricom towards becoming Africa’s Purpose-led Technology Company by 2030,” said Donna Rege IT Governance lead. 

Eng. Maureen Mwaniki, Director of Women in Technology at Huawei Kenya, emphasized the broader significance of AI training:

"Capacity building in AI empowers individuals and communities to drive social and economic change. It’s about fostering an ecosystem where people are not just consumers of AI but also creators, innovators, and leaders. This milestone graduation of 70 young women and men reflects the growing interest in emerging technologies among the youth. It is also a testament to the program’s success in nurturing local talent."

Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to developing local ICT talent, providing industry-level certifications to bridge the gap between workforce capabilities and industry demands. By enhancing knowledge transfer and promoting interest in ICT, the company continues to support Kenya's economic growth and technological advancement.

This AI Training Challenge represents a significant milestone in the journey towards building an inclusive, skilled workforce for the future of technology. Safaricom and Huawei look forward to empowering more young leaders through continued collaboration and innovation.