Huawei and Addis Ababa University (AAU) joined forces to organize a job fair and solidify their partnership in talent and skill development, as announced in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the two entities. The event took place at the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology (AAiT) on April 5, 2024, and aimed to enhance internship and employment prospects for graduate students.
The CEO of Huawei Ethiopia, Liu Jifan, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the convergence of academia and industry in the field of technology. He emphasized Huawei’s commitment to Ethiopia and its dedication to supporting young graduates through recruitment and internship opportunities. Liu also stated that Huawei is actively contributing to Ethiopia’s digitalization goals outlined in the “Digital Ethiopia 2025” initiative by incorporating technologies such as 5G, mobile money, and broadband.
Dr. Bikila Teklu, the Chief Executive Director of AAiT, acknowledged the importance of strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Huawei in AAU’s new strategic plan. Such collaborations provide students and faculty with industry exposure and capacity-building opportunities, ultimately producing graduates who meet the demands of the job market. Dr. Teklu highlighted the existing Huawei ICT practice center at AAU, which offers practical training in telecom infrastructure installation and configuration, benefiting both students and graduates.
The Ministry of Labor and Skills representative, Zerihun Alemayehu, emphasized the significance of the ICT sector in job creation and the digital transformation of Ethiopia. He praised the university-industry linkage as a crucial element in developing a skilled workforce. Zerihun commended the collaboration between Huawei and AAU for their efforts in job creation, talent identification, and skill development, and encouraged the expansion of such initiatives to other industries and institutions.
The job fair provided a platform for graduates to interact with hiring institutions and create favorable conditions for employment. Zerihun highlighted the challenges in the recruitment process and emphasized the importance of endurance, problem-solving ability, innovation, and continuous learning. He appreciated the collaborative efforts of Huawei and AAU in addressing these challenges and creating opportunities for talent development.
In addition to the job fair, Huawei senior specialists shared their expertise with students, showcasing the company’s technological breakthroughs, including cybersecurity advancements. Huawei Ethiopia is currently implementing various corporate social responsibility initiatives in partnership with the Ministry of Education, including Seeds for the Future, Digi Truck Ethiopia, ICT competitions, and ICT Academies.
The collaboration between Huawei and AAU demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to nurturing talent and fostering innovation in Ethiopia’s rapidly developing technology sector. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, they aim to equip graduates with the skills and experiences necessary to contribute to the country’s digital transformation and economic growth.
