ZIMBABWE will have its own company with a global reach like ICT solutions provider, Huawei, a Chinese official has said.
Zhang Xiangchen, the China International Trade deputy representative told guests attending the launch ceremony of Zimbabwe Seeds for the Future sponsorship training programme in Victoria Falls last week that the Chinese government would continue working with Zimbabwe on human resources.
The programme will see 10 students being trained in ICTs.
“Seeds is a symbol of life, future and hope. I am glad to see Chinese companies like Huawei are committed to help Zimbabwean people learn ICTs and to promote comprehensive development in the ICT sector in Zimbabwe,” Xiangchen said.
As at the end of September, China had trained 3 259 Zimbabweans including 2 472 government officials, 747 technical people as well as 40 people with the joint-master degree.
“I believe in the future Zimbabwe will also have its Huawei, Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent, and will also have its Jack Ma, Pony Ma, Robin Li. Maybe they are just among you, the 10 seeds,” Xiangchen said.
ICT, Postal and Courier Services minister Supa Mandiwanzira paid tribute to China for funding Zimbabwe to develop the ICT infrastructure and to seek economic freedom. He also acknowledged Huawei’s efforts in cultivating local ICT talent.
“If we are planting the seeds, the seeds will eventually grow. I am very gratified that a Chinese company like Huawei is doing this investment in capacity building,” he said.
Spawn Fan, managing director of Huawei Technologies Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi offices, said the ICT solutions provider is committed to bridging the digital divide by increasing network coverage and offering affordable devices in Zimbabwe in line with the country’s initiative of building a knowledge-based society with ubiquitous connectivity.
Seeds for the Future is a global flagship corporate social responsibility programme initiated by Huawei to cultivate local ICT professionals in countries where it is operating by leveraging its world leading ICTs and resources.
