Huawei South Africa has launched the 2024 edition of Huawei’s Women in Tech, Digital Skills Training Programme, set to take place late in August.

The annual event offers women free training in the rapidly developing fields of cloud computing, 5G and AI, as well as leadership development.

Tech-savvy women entrepreneurs are invited to apply for the programme, which seeks to upskill attendees and encourage them to build networks that will advance their careers in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

Women in management from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) and the Ministry of Electricity and Energy will also be participating in the training.

“This year we are taking Women in Tech to new heights by partnering with the prestigious Henley Business School Africa to develop a dynamic leadership programme,” said Huawei South Africa media relations and communications manager Vanashree Govender.

“This collaboration not only enhances the programme's credibility and authenticity – it brings a fresh perspective that solidifies our commitment to empowering women with the latest skills for running digital businesses. With Henley's expertise, we are confident that our programme will have a lasting impact on the careers of our participants.”

The two-day in-person training course will see Huawei facilitate an introduction to new technologies and give training in the business benefits of 5G; how to leverage cloud computing for business growth; and AI and intelligent business applications, while Henley Business School Africa will lead the Women in Tech Leadership programme which delves into personal mastery and work-life integration and the neuroscience of leadership.

Studies show that business owners who gain skills in areas like cloud computing are more likely to unlock significant growth as their businesses become more cost-effective, collaborative and better able to adapt to disruptive technologies.

The Women in Tech, Digital Skills Training Programme is a marker of Huawei South Africa’s passion for increasing the representation of women in the ICT sector, said Govender.

“It holds significance for Huawei South Africa because it reflects our continued commitment to strengthening women's position in the labour market. The programme is another expression of our mission to help South Africa fully realise the potential within its digital economy, which according to a recent report by Africa Analysis is projected to make up between 7% and 9% of national GDP by 2026.”

The DCDT continues to partner with Huawei on this transformative programme. With the department’s support the initiative has reached significant milestones such as training over 200 course participants since its inaugural year in 2021.

“We are proud to partner with Huawei on a programme with such an impressive track record of upskilling tech-curious women to gain digital and leadership skills that will help accelerate the growth of their businesses,” said Henley Business School Africa head of learning experience and executive education director Linda Buckley.

Huawei’s Women in Tech, Digital Skills Training Programme 2024 is open to women entrepreneurs, who will be selected based on criteria including their readiness to adopt new technologies.

The launch event with DCDT and the Ministry of Electricity and Energy will be held on August 22, followed by new technologies on August 27 and Women in Tech Leadership on August 28.