By 
On July 13, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated the Huawei Innovation Centre in Woodmead, Johannesburg, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s journey towards the digital revolution. Created by Huawei South Africa, the state-of-the-art facility aims to foster collaborative innovation, engage with local partners and developers, and showcase cutting-edge digital technologies.
During the inauguration, President Ramaphosa praised the centre as an impressive hub for technological breakthroughs, envisioning it as a catalyst for South Africa and the broader African continent to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Innovation Centre will showcase transformative technologies like 5G, Cloud, and AI, which have the potential to drive economic development and societal progress.
The President emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation, expressing optimism that the Innovation Centre would stimulate the growth of local ICT enterprises and create job opportunities. He acknowledged the profound impact of digital technologies in achieving national development goals and applauded Huawei’s confidence in the South African economy.
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the pivotal role of digital technologies in transforming sectors such as mining and transportation. He cited the successful launch of the first 5G coal mine in South Africa, made possible through Huawei’s collaboration with industry stakeholders and telecom partners, as a prime example of the company’s contribution to unlocking the country’s economic potential.
He further underscored the importance of knowledge transfer, skills development, and the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He commended Huawei’s initiatives, such as the LEAP digital talent program, ICT academies, and Tech4All-DigiSchool projects, which align with the government’s vision of empowering youth and enabling their participation in the digital economy.
The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, HE Chen Xiaodong, emphasized the Huawei Innovation Centre’s significance as a symbol of South Africa-China cooperation. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting South Africa in accelerating 5G deployment and embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Leo Chen, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa, praised South Africa’s strong vision for its digital economy and its exemplary role in 5G deployment and industrial digital transformation on the continental and global stage. Chen reiterated Huawei’s dedication to supporting South Africa’s ICT infrastructure development and industry digitization through the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. He also highlighted the company’s commitment to training young South Africans and enabling their participation in the digital economy.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Minister Stella Ndabeni Abrahams (Small Business Development) and Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga (Transport), along with representatives from government departments. Their presence demonstrated the government’s endorsement and support for the Huawei Innovation Centre and its potential to drive the country’s digital agenda.
With the establishment of the Huawei Innovation Centre, South Africa takes a momentous stride towards embracing the digital revolution, leveraging Huawei’s expertise, and unlocking the potential of advanced technologies for economic growth and societal advancement.
Comments