Huawei equips Mulungushi University with ICT

Chinese information and communications technology (ICT) company Huawei Technologies Zambia has handed over 40 computers, desks and chairs to Mulungushi University in a move that will enhance the learning opportunities for students at the institute.

Education Minister Hon. John Phiri was guest of honour at the donation ceremony this week and praised the company for its support for the education sector by providing state-of-the art equipment.

“I salute Huawei Technologies Zambia for creating this opportunity for me to visit Mulungushi University. I join his Excellency the Chinese Ambassador in thanking you for being a truly Zambia corporate citizen. Since you signed with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) that contract in 2013 you have grown into Zambia’s number one solutions provider. I came to congratulate you on your remarkable market performance,” said Dr Phiri, who was accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to Zambia His Excellency Mr Zhou Yuxiao, Mulungushi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Hellicy C. Ng’ambi, Chairperson of the Confucius Institute Prof. Enala Tembo-Mwase and Huawei Country Director Stanley Chyn.

“One is forced to admire the company’s provision of the most advanced 4G LTE networks to all the country’s operators (Zamtel, MTN, Airtel). Having achieved all this growth, the company could have easily been intoxicated with self-pride and could have forgotten to fulfil its social responsibility to its customers and local community. Here at this university, Huawei Zambia has chosen to fulfil the responsibility of a Zambia corporate citizen by helping this emerging giant of a university to build up its computer laboratory.”

Huawei’s donation is expected to help the university expand its capabilities, connect to the world, and keep abreast of the latest developments in information and communications technology globally.

“Huawei’s vision is to bridge the digital divide. That vision is an enormous challenge, but it is possible for Huawei because we invest millions of dollars every year in research and development. For this reason, it is very important for us to support a new generation of scientists and researchers at universities in Zambia, who can develop new ideas and discover new ways of making life better for people,” said Mr Chyn.

Earlier this year Vice President Dr Guy Scott officially made the first call to launch the first of a series of 169 base stations to be constructed by Huawei that will connect rural communities in Zambia to the mobile phone network under the contract with ZICTA referred to by the Minister.

Huawei has 14 regional headquarters, 23 research and development (R&D) centres, 32 joint innovation centres and 45 training centres worldwide. It is that huge R&D capability that has enabled it to become the largest ICT company in the world, he explained.

Such investment in research demonstrates the benefits of pushing the boundaries of science and technology and shows that students at Mulungushi University have the opportunity to see their work benefit mankind.

Kabwe-based Mulungushi University, whose motto is “Pursuing the frontiers of knowledge”, includes a Centre for ICT Education as well as schools for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business Studies, Labour Studies and Social Sciences. Its vision is to be the pioneer of knowledge production that is relevant and responsive to the socio-economic developments of Zambia, Africa and the globe.

 BIZTECHAFRICA