Nairobi, September 28, 2024 – Huawei has emphasized the need for increased collaboration between governments, the private sector, and academia as a key approach to driving innovation, promoting economic growth, and fostering sustainable development solutions.
Speaking at the Round Table on Partnerships for Development Through Science Parks and Areas of Innovation during the 41st IASP World Conference in Nairobi from September 24-27, 2024, Adam Lane, Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Huawei Kenya, underscored the vital role of partnerships in harnessing advanced technologies to tackle local, regional, and global challenges.
“In the past five years, we’ve partnered closely with Konza, providing infrastructure and training for Jitume Labs, and funding research to enhance their efficiency. We also aim to support events that attract more partners to Jitume,” said Lane. “In collaboration with Machakos University, we are establishing an IoT Lab, contributing content for the Bachelor’s in IoT and Cloud Computing, and supporting innovation competitions and hackathons with universities and TVETs across the country. These partnerships unlock the full potential of digital transformation.”
Leveraging Collective Expertise
Lane further highlighted that by combining the expertise of governments, businesses, and academic institutions, an innovative ecosystem can emerge, driving digital transformation and creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrive.
He emphasized that through joint efforts, governments, academia, and businesses can address complex issues while capitalizing on opportunities in areas like smart cities, digital connectivity, and inclusion.
“Huawei has joined forces with Konza Technopolis and Machakos University, among others, because we recognize that the collective expertise of these entities can act as a catalyst for sustainable innovation,” he added.
While Huawei values broad partnerships, Lane stressed the importance of focusing on specific strengths and niche areas. He pointed to an ongoing program that leverages AI to support individuals with special needs as an example of such targeted efforts.
“At Huawei, we believe in the power of technology to create positive change. We are committed to collaborating with governments, academic institutions, and industry leaders to develop innovative solutions that address the specific needs of our communities, striving to build a brighter future for all,” Lane concluded.