In a bid to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the South African Information and Communication Technology (ICT) space, Huawei South Africa recently unveiled its state-of-the-art Innovation Centre. The center aims to bring together Huawei’s South African partners, app developers, and Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to jointly explore cutting-edge digital technologies and solutions, including 5G, Cloud, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The inauguration of the Innovation Centre was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a tour of the facility. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who attended the event, expressed his admiration for both the solutions showcased at the center and the ICT expertise demonstrated by Huawei employees. He referred to the center as “impressive and encouraging.”
President Ramaphosa emphasised that the establishment of the Innovation Centre aligns perfectly with the South African government’s strategy of prioritising digital technologies as an economic imperative. He highlighted the center’s potential to act as a springboard for the launch of new local ICT enterprises, generating employment opportunities and supporting national developmental goals.
Recognising the significance of ICT technologies in driving digital transformation across industries, President Ramaphosa noted, “The application of digital technologies to improve production processes spans a broad range of economic sectors from mining to ports to transportation and others.” He cited the successful partnership between Huawei and industry stakeholders that led to the launch of South Africa’s first 5G coal mine in 2022, showcasing the potential of such collaborations in boosting the country’s economy.
The South African government has been actively pursuing structural reforms to stimulate the development of the digital economy. President Ramaphosa highlighted the high-demand spectrum auction conducted last year, which, along with digital migration, will significantly expand broadband access and reduce data costs. He expressed his hope that the Innovation Centre would prioritize knowledge and skills transfer, as well as the development of SMMEs.
During the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador HE Chen Xiaodong highlighted the significance of the Huawei Innovation Centre in the context of South Africa-China cooperation. He emphasised that the center’s launch demonstrates the Chinese private business sector’s readiness to support South Africa in accelerating the application of 5G technology and embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Leo Chen, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa, also shared his thoughts on the occasion, expressing his appreciation for the South African government’s robust vision for the digital economy. Chen acknowledged South Africa’s emerging role as a continental and global leader in 5G deployment and industrial digital transformation. He reiterated Huawei’s commitment to contribute to the country’s ICT infrastructure development and industry digitisation by introducing the latest technologies. Chen emphasised Huawei’s dedication to training South Africa’s young talent, enabling their participation in and benefit from the digital economy.
President Ramaphosa was accompanied by a delegation that included Ms. Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, Minister of Small Business Development; Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Transport; Mr. Cassel Mathale, Deputy Minister of Police; Mr. Philly Mapulane, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies; Mr. Itiseng Morolong, Deputy Minister in the Presidency; Ms. Phindile Baleni, Director-General and Secretary to the Cabinet; Ms. Roshene Singh, Deputy Director-General; and Mr. Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President.
