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Kilimall and Huawei LEAP Forward Together to Empower Digital Youth
Kilimall is building a future where digital skills, innovation, and opportunity go hand in hand.
At the recent Huawei LEAP Job Fair, Kilimall stood out not just for the opportunities it offered, but for the passion behind them. In an exclusive interview, Susan Wanjiru, HR Business Partner (HRBP) at Kilimall International Limited, shared the company’s vision for nurturing young talent and closing the digital gap across Kenya’s fast-growing e-commerce sector.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Huawei under the LEAP program to empower youth through digital skills and real-world exposure,” Susan said.
The LEAP (Learn, Employ, Advance, Progress) program is Huawei’s bold initiative to prepare young Africans for the future of work.
Kilimall’s role in the program is aligned with its mission to “enrich lives in Africa” by providing mentorship, internships, and employment for youth eager to grow in the digital retail space.
Kilimall and Huawei LEAP Forward Together to Empower Digital Youth
Tech Meets Talent: What Kilimall Is Offering
Kenya’s e-commerce landscape is evolving rapidly. With mobile-first shopping, digital payments, and AI-powered personalization becoming the norm, companies like Kilimall are using smart technology to stay ahead integrating tools like smart logistics, AI-driven customer service, and seamless user experiences.
But behind the tech, there’s a growing need for talent. And that’s where the LEAP partnership comes in.
“We are offering internship and mentorship opportunities in HR, marketplace management, sales, and logistics. For example, we currently have interns from the University of Nairobi working in our HR department,” Susan shared.
Job seekers who visited the Kilimall booth at the fair were guided based on their interests and academic background. “If someone was interested in sales or finance, we told them about the available roles, collected their resumes, and had them fill out an online form. We’re following up with formal interviews this week.”
Not Just Jobs, Entrepreneurship Too
The job fair wasn’t only for job seekers. Aspiring vendors youth looking to partner with Kilimall as sellers were also welcome.
“We had people coming in not just for employment. Some want to be vendors. We collected their details and are linking them up with our supply chain department to guide them on the process,” Susan explained.
This inclusive approach underscores Kilimall’s broader impact supporting not just formal jobs but entrepreneurship as well.
Women and Youth in Tech: A Priority
Susan is especially passionate about creating space for women and youth in tech-driven careers.
“As an e-commerce company, Kilimall is by nature a tech company,” she said. “So when young people especially women intern, work, or even sell with us, they’re automatically engaging with technology. They’re developing tech skills, whether they realize it or not.”
Kilimall’s commitment to inclusivity was visible at the fair itself. “Our booth team was mostly women not by design, but it just reflects our inclusive culture,” Susan noted with a smile.
Creating Long-Term Impact
When asked about the company’s long-term goals through the LEAP partnership, Susan was clear: “We want to add value to young talent, show them the opportunities out there, and encourage them to be bold and confident enough to go for it.”
Beyond direct employment, Kilimall’s ecosystem supports indirect job creation too from logistics providers to security firms and local sellers who depend on the platform.
“Through our work with LEAP, we hope to foster inclusive innovation and economic growth not just in Kenya, but across Africa,” she said.
Susan Wanjiru, HR Business Partner (HRBP) at Kilimall International Limited
A Word to Young Job Seekers
Susan’s advice to youth looking to enter e-commerce or retail?
“It’s possible. Go for it. Be confident and always stay open to learning. If you stay curious and keep upskilling, you’ll go far.”
Her personal passion for HR and people development is what keeps her going. “It aligns with Kilimall’s mission. When I help someone take a step forward, it makes me feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
https://africabusinessnews.co.ke/150-youth-gain-digital-skills-in-kisii-through-huawei-digitruck/
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