Empowering the Future: Inside Huawei’s 2023 Seeds for the Future Program in Ghana

On September 1, 2023, Huawei’s annual Seeds for the Future Program took center stage as a virtual event that has become a cornerstone in Ghana’s ICT sector. This year’s program was particularly noteworthy for its focus on empowering young women in STEM fields. Since its global inception in 2008, the program has trained over 15,000 youths across 139 countries. In Ghana, it has been a transformative force since 2015, impacting 220 tertiary students and aiming to add 70 more this year.

The event was enriched by two pivotal speeches that laid out the vision and impact of the program. Huawei Ghana’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Kweku Essuman Quansah, spoke passionately about the company’s commitment to bridging the ICT skills gap in Ghana. He revealed that Huawei, in a remarkable collaboration with key Ghanaian ministries, has trained 80,000 young girls in ICT courses within just two years. Mr. Quansah emphasized that this year’s program is dedicated solely to females, underlining Huawei’s commitment to fostering innovation, diversity, and collaboration. He also announced an 8-day intensive online training covering cutting-edge topics like 5G, AI, Digital Power, and Cloud Computing. The training aims to build leadership capabilities and provide mentorship from experienced industry professionals.

Hon. Ama Pomaa Boateng, the Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalization, also delivered a compelling speech. She lauded the program as a significant step toward Ghana’s digital future. She highlighted the Ministry’s “Girls in ICT” initiative and how the Seeds for the Future Program aligns perfectly with it. Hon. Boateng cited data from the International Telecommunications Union, stating that tens of millions of future jobs will require advanced digital skills. She urged participants to seize this opportunity, emphasizing that the future is digital and filled with unlimited possibilities.

Beyond the speeches and training, the program also features a Tech4Good competition that encourages participants to apply their newly acquired skills to solve societal problems. The competition offers up to USD 100,000 in startup funds as an incentive, providing a practical platform for participants to make a tangible impact.

In conclusion, the 2023 Seeds for the Future Program is a multifaceted initiative that goes beyond mere skill acquisition. It aims to equip the next generation of ICT professionals with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With its focus on female empowerment and alignment with governmental digitalization initiatives, the program is not just shaping individual futures but also contributing to the broader digital transformation of Ghana.