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Huawei’s Adam Lane: Building Kenya’s Digital Future
Training Kenya’s Future Tech Talent and Building Inclusive Digital Ecosystems
Huawei’s long-standing presence in Kenya is more than just about building networks, it’s about building people.
At the Huawei LEAP Job Fair, Adam Lane, Director of Partnerships and Policy at Huawei Kenya, shared how the company is equipping Kenyan youth with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.
25 Years of Impact and Growing
Huawei entered the Kenyan market over 25 years ago, and by 2008, had established the first East Africa Regional Training Centre. “We’ve expanded significantly in the last seven or eight years,” Lane noted. “Through MOUs with universities and TVETs across Kenya, we’ve built strong local capacity.”
He emphasized that Huawei’s LEAP program (Learn, Engage, Accelerate, Progress) currently trains over 10,000 Kenyans annually, ranging from university students to rural youth and advanced professionals.
Training for the Now and the Future
While many focus on future skills, Lane stressed the importance of relevant, short-term training. “We want to equip rural women entrepreneurs, for instance, with digital tools they can use immediately like buying and selling online or managing payroll.”
Huawei’s partnerships with organizations like Mama Doing Good target rural entrepreneurs, helping them integrate tech into existing business models, making digital inclusion practical and impactful.
Addressing Policy Gaps and Driving Innovation
Lane acknowledged policy barriers still facing ICT businesses in Kenya from high taxation to expensive fibre rollout fees at the county level. “Such costs hold back innovation,” he said. However, he commended government efforts like the cloud policy, AI strategy, and the ongoing work on a national broadband strategy.
Huawei has actively contributed to policy dialogue, including Kenya’s new building code, which now mandates all new constructions to be fibre-ready a game-changer for connectivity and competition.
Huawei’s Adam Lane: Building Kenya’s Digital Future.
Innovation Through Local Partnerships
Beyond infrastructure, Huawei supports local businesses in developing cloud-based and smart solutions. “Whether it’s smart ports, smart education, or telemedicine, we’re helping government and private partners find cost-effective digital systems that work,” said Lane.
He also highlighted the importance of measuring cost savings to build a strong case for public investment in digital systems.
Inclusive Tech for Women and Persons with Disabilities
A vocal advocate for gender inclusion, Lane outlined Huawei’s commitment to supporting women in tech:
“We aim for at least 50% women participation in non-gender-specific programs like Digitruck, AI hackathons, and the ICT competition.”
He proudly shared that a Kenyan women’s team recently won an international award at Huawei’s global ICT competition in China. “Kenya is actually ahead of many countries 30–40% of our participants are women even without extra targeting.”
Huawei is also expanding programs for persons with disabilities, recognizing the additional stigma and access challenges they face. “We’re creating space for these groups through targeted partnerships like the Next Step Foundation, ensuring they’re not left behind in the digital economy.”
The Power of the Internet: Hope for Kenya’s Youth
Lane left young jobseekers with an uplifting message:
“The most radical thing the internet has done is democratize opportunity. Whether it’s free online courses or job listings, support is out there if you’re willing to look for it.”
He encouraged youth to stay proactive, use digital tools to learn, seek help, and stay resilient:
“With effort and perseverance, solutions are always within reach.”
https://africabusinessnews.co.ke/huawei-leap-job-fair-unites-partners-in-empowering-kenyas-youth/
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