Huawei Launches 10th ICT Competition to Boost Kenya’s Digital Talent
Huawei Launches 10th ICT Competition to Boost Kenya’s Digital Talent
National Launch and Vision
Kenya today celebrated the launch of the 10th Edition of the Huawei ICT Competition. The free global online platform offers skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Networking, and other emerging technologies.
Presented in partnership with the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, the 2025/2026 edition aims to double participation from 6,000 to 12,000 students. The expansion will give more youth across the country access to training. ICT students can register online now.
National winners will progress to the Regional and then the Global Competition. All participants gain industry-recognized certifications. Past winners have received gadgets, cash prizes, and internships.
Leaders Call for Youth Participation
The Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses F. M. Wetang’ula, Speaker of the National Assembly, officially opened the program in Kenya. He applauded its impact and urged youth to embrace AI skills to thrive in the future economy.
He also assured stakeholders that the National Assembly will support ICT and innovation through legislative and policy frameworks.
Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary, State Department for TVET, emphasized the importance of public–private partnerships. She noted that the Huawei ICT Competition is a vital platform for identifying and nurturing top ICT talent from TVET institutions.
According to her, such initiatives prepare innovators, strengthen Kenya’s position in the global digital economy, and open pathways for youth employment.
Promoting Inclusivity and Bridging the Gender Gap
This year’s program recorded a rise in female participation, including award-winning all-girl teams at the global finals. “The ICT Competition is helping bridge the gender gap in tech,” Dr. Muoria affirmed.
With 40% of jobs expected to be automated, leaders are calling for urgent upskilling of Kenya’s youth. The World Bank’s Future of Work Report 2025 warns of a skills gap between what youth learn and what the market demands.
Huawei Launches 10th ICT Competition to Boost Kenya’s Digital Talent
Building Skills for the Digital Economy
Huawei’s ICT Academy, through more than 60 partner institutions, offers training in networking, AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. This bridges the gap between classroom learning and job readiness.
The Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy launched the Kenya National AI Strategy (2025–2030) earlier this year. The Huawei ICT Competition supports this strategy by producing AI-ready professionals.
Since its Kenya debut in 2018, the competition has empowered over 12,000 students. Internationally, it spans 85 countries and reaches over 950,000 students.
Expanding to Underserved Regions
Last year’s competition drew students from over 40 universities and TVET institutions. It is now expanding to underserved regions to ensure equal opportunity. A recent MoU between Huawei and the State Department for TVET will extend training to 150 institutions annually.
“With mentorship, hands-on labs, boot camps, and certifications, students are gaining skills that lead to employment,” said Michael Kamau, ICT Academy Program Manager, Huawei Kenya.
A Call to Action
Khadija Ahmed Mohammed, Media Director, Huawei Kenya, praised the competition’s decade-long impact. She called on all students, especially women and girls, to embrace STEM and take part in this global challenge.
