Huawei Kenya, in partnership with Equity Group Foundation and the Open University of Kenya (OUK), today announced the official launch of the Huawei ICT Academy at OUK — a strategic initiative aimed at equipping over 10,000 learners with world-class digital skills and driving innovation across sectors including education, health, agriculture, and fintech.
Strategically located at Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s flagship smart city and innovation hub, the Academy will position OUK as a national leader in accessible, future-ready education and contribute directly to the goals of Kenya’s Digital Superhighway under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The Huawei ICT Academy will deliver flexible, self-paced online courses in high-demand areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Networking, and Software Development. The program offers dual certification, combining academic credentials from OUK with Huawei’s globally recognized industry certifications — boosting both employability and entrepreneurship among youth, especially in underserved communities. A Virtual Innovation Hub will also be established, allowing students to co-create real-world technology solutions to pressing challenges in agriculture, education, health, and financial inclusion. “This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to nurturing Kenya’s digital talent,” said Mr. Gavin Gao, CEO of Huawei Kenya. “By launching the Academy at OUK within Konza Technopolis, we’re aligning with the country’s vision for innovation, inclusion, and long-term prosperity.”
The collaboration also extends to digital health transformation through the Equity Group Foundation’s health programs, including Telemedicine services, designed to enhance healthcare delivery for remote and underserved populations. These efforts form part of Equity Group Foundation’s broader Creating Shared Value (CSV) strategy.
“We are scaling access to global tech skills — especially for youth who might otherwise be excluded from the digital revolution,” said Dr. James Mwangi, Chancellor of OUK and Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are building an inclusive, innovative workforce equipped to transform Kenya and Africa.”
“Locating the Huawei ICT Academy at OUK — Kenya’s first digital-first university — reflects our mission to democratize higher education,” added Prof. Elijah Omwenga, Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya. “With Huawei’s technical leadership and Equity’s social impact vision, we’re unlocking new futures for learners across the country.”
This initiative leverages the collective strengths of industry, academia, and development partners to create a new model of digital capacity-building — one that is inclusive, scalable, and aligned with national development priorities. By combining technology, innovation, and social investment, the partnership aims to unlock new opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans and accelerate the country’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy.
