Monday, July 29, 2013

Nelson Mandela Institute, Huawei sign MoU to build capacity in ICT research




The Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) with the global information and communications firm Huawei technologies Tanzania aimed at building capacity in ICT research at the institute. 

The MoU will see Huawei Technologies releasing USD 30,000 (about Sh48m/-) each year for three years to support ICT research for students studying Master programme in ICT field at NM-AIST.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at the Institute at the weekend, the Minister of Information, Science and Technology Prof Makame Mbarawa said the agreement will see Tanzania through NM-AIST’s masters and PhD students build capacity in conducting ICT research and to improve the country’s technology.

“Am sure that the agreement will be a catalyst for speedy development of ICT sector in the country as the university will now have the opportunity to do more research in the ICT field and the findings will enable us discover new technologies in the ICT industry,” said Prof Mbarawa.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Lu Youqing in his remarks appreciated the contribution made by company to the development of ICT in Tanzania.

“I am very pleased to see Huawei play a vital role in bringing about ICT development in Tanzania. The company’s contribution to ICT sector in the country will not only bring technological advancement but also help grow the country’s economy as a whole.

“It is through Information and Communication Technology development that enables any country to achieve political, social and economic growth because ICT is an enabler of technology innovation, driving social and economic development, and creating value for individuals and society as a whole,” said Ambassador Youqing.

Huawei’s Technologies Public Affairs and Communication Director in the East African Region, Wang Shun Li during the event said the funds will be used to cater for masters’ students in ICT research at Institute that will see the university build capacity on researching the ICT related topics. 

“As part of our ICT Star programme which supports the development of ICT sector in Tanzania, we are confident that the contribution will encourage students to put more efforts into their ICT researches as their findings will play a vital role in boosting ICT sector development in the country,” said Wang.

He underscored his company’s commitment in supporting growth of the country’s ICT industry, pointing out that through support of ICT sector more and more ICT engineers and experts will be generated thus contributing to the ICT development in Tanzania.

For his part, the NM–AIST Vice Chancellor, Professor Burton Mwamila, said that the company’s support will be a great boost to the masters students at the institute to do their researches effectively.

“We thank Huawei for supporting our university, and we promise to use the funds provided accordingly in making sure that the funds are allocated into the ICT researches so as to enable boost the development ICT sector in the country,” said Prof Mwamila.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

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