Safaricom launches the Connect Academy, a groundbreaking initiative to provide premier industrial training for fiber optic technicians, in alignment with its commitment to investing in robust fiber optic networks in Kenya and Ethiopia. The academy, part of the Presidential DigiTalent Programme, aims to upskill and empower 10,000 technicians over the next five years, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the telecommunications sector.
Announced during the Connected Africa Summit 2024, the Connect Academy underscores Safaricom’s dedication to fostering talent development and driving digital transformation in Africa. Led by Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Safaricom’s Chief Consumer Business Officer, the academy seeks to create a world-class broadband connectivity talent pool through partnerships with TVETs, offering employment opportunities and career pathways for Kenyan youth.
The academy’s comprehensive training programs will equip participants with hands-on experience, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills essential for successful network deployment. With a focus on fiber optic and fixed wireless technologies, the Connect Academy aims to bridge the skills gap in the telecommunications industry and support the ICT Authority’s initiatives to roll out extensive fiber networks and public Wi-Fi hotspots.
The signing of a cooperative agreement between Safaricom and the ICT Authority marks a significant milestone in driving public-private partnerships for digital transformation in Africa. Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of ICT Authority, emphasizes the importance of collaboration, stating that such initiatives are instrumental in empowering people and shaping a Connected Africa. Together, Safaricom and the ICT Authority pave the way for a future where skilled professionals drive innovation and connectivity across the continent.
