Kenya has launched the 10th Edition of the Huawei ICT Competition, a global platform offering free skills training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Networking, and other emerging technologies.
This year’s edition, held in partnership with the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, aims to double participation from 6,000 to 12,000 students, providing unprecedented opportunities for young tech enthusiasts nationwide.
National leaders applaud program’s impact
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses F. M. Wetang’ula, officially opened the program, calling on Kenyan youth to embrace AI skills to thrive in the evolving job market.
“This global competition has opened remarkable opportunities for youth in technology and the innovation space,” he said, pledging the National Assembly’s support through enabling legislative and policy frameworks.
Public–private collaboration driving skills development
Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), praised the Huawei ICT Competition for identifying and nurturing ICT talent from TVET institutions.
“Together, we are preparing Kenya’s next generation of innovators and technology leaders,” she noted, emphasising that such partnerships strengthen Kenya’s global digital economy position and boost youth employment prospects.
Breaking barriers for women in tech
This year’s competition recorded unprecedented female participation, including award-winning all-girl teams at the global finals. Dr. Muoria highlighted the significance of this milestone in bridging the gender gap in the tech industry.
Addressing the future of the work skills gap
With the World Bank projecting that 40% of today’s jobs will be automated, stakeholders urged urgent youth upskilling to meet future labour market demands. Many Kenyan youth possess digital aptitude but lack structured training, a gap the Huawei ICT Academy aims to close through over 60 partner institutions offering industry-aligned ICT courses.
Supporting Kenya’s AI strategy
The competition aligns with the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy’s Kenya National AI Strategy (2025–2030), which positions the country as a regional leader in AI research, innovation, and commercialisation.
Decade of impact and expanded reach
Since 2018, the Huawei ICT Competition has empowered over 12,000 Kenyan students with global exposure, mentorship, and market-ready skills. Last year’s participants came from more than 40 universities and TVET institutions, with new outreach to underserved regions.
“By expanding into TVET institutions and underserved regions, Huawei is ensuring that no student is left behind in Kenya’s digital transformation,” said Michael Kamau, ICT Academy Program Manager, Huawei Kenya.
Global stage for Kenyan youth
Khadija Ahmed Mohammed, Media Director at Huawei Kenya, called on all students, particularly women and girls, to embrace STEM.
“This competition offers a global platform where they can compete with the best from over 70 countries,” she said.