ICT giant Huawei will train 1000 solar practitioners in Sub-Saharan Africa in the next year, with the first batch of 100 trainees unveiled in Johannesburg last week.
Its “Thousand Digital Power Talents Programme”, with the theme “Together, for a Better and Greener Africa”, seeks to drive growth and expand the ecosystem for Africa’s growing solar sector.
Beneficiaries of the programme will be drawn from South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria.
Twenty-five training sessions will be held in the remainder of 2022 and throughout next year.
The sessions are both theoretical and practical, and upon completion the practitioners will be equipped with knowledge of digital power technology and solutions and practical installation skills.
The programme is supported by the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) and the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).
“African countries have more than 40% of the world’s solar energy resources, it’s crucial to have the right talent to tap into that potential,” said Xia Hesheng, President of Southern Africa Digital Power Business, speaking at the opening ceremony.
Xia said Huawei’s solutions integrate digital and power electronics technologies, and with the Talent Programme, the company is committed to creating more value for its partners.
“At Huawei, we are dedicated to facilitating efficient solar power supply in Sub-Saharan Africa through our digital power technologies and solutions, while striving to grow the solar industry ecosystem in the region through capacity building and talent developing programmes like this,” said Xia.
He added: “Through our Thousand Digital Power Talents Programme, we are committed to strengthening local talent ecosystem and drive further industry growth in Africa with local partners.”
AFSIA CEO John van Zuylen and his SAPVIA counterpart Dr. Rethabile Melamu joined Huawei at the opening ceremony.
“SAPVIA is delighted to have Huawei, who shares the same vision of quality and safe solar PV installations, as a partner. I have no doubt that our continued collaboration will contribute to much-needed skills transfer to build the Africa we want, “said Dr. Melamu.
Left to Right: Zhang Yu, Huawei John van Zuylen, AFSIA; Xia Hesheng, Huawei; Dr. Rethabile Melamu, SAPVIA; Bian Changle, Huawei
As the demand for solar energy grows in Africa, the sector is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, noted Van Zuylen.
“AFSIA welcomes Huawei’s talent development program, and looks forward to cooperating with Huawei to share new skills with solar technicians across the continent over the next 12 months”, he said. – Zambezi News