Ten Kenyan students recently demonstrated the power of technological innovation at the LEAP Digital Talent Study Camp in Shenzhen, China, showcasing how young African minds are addressing critical societal challenges through cutting-edge digital skills.
The week-long program, organized by Huawei, brought together students from across Sub-Saharan Africa to engage in intensive technical training and a competitive problem-solving challenge. Participants dove into advanced technological domains including 5G technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and cloud computing, culminating in the Tech4Good competition.
The Kenyan students contingent particularly stood out with their project Mafreeco, an innovative solution inspired by the local term “mafuriko” meaning floods. The team developed a smart system designed to address Kenya’s recurring flooding issues by clearing drainage systems of trash and debris to mitigate major flood damage.
“The week was incredibly exhilarating,” said Ashley Yigo, a Mafreeco team member. “We advanced to the finals despite working with just 1-2 hours of sleep a day to execute our project to perfection. It was an invaluable experience, gaining global insights into technology and networking.”
The team’s dedication paid off, earning them a spot in the Tech4Good finals, where they competed against teams from South Africa, Mauritius, and Malawi. This achievement proves the growing technological prowess of African youth and their ability to develop practical solutions to local challenges.
Sena Voncuvoji, Africa China Analyst and Founder of ReVodution, emphasized the program’s broader significance, stating, “The LEAP Digital Talent Study Camp is a transformative experience for participants. It fosters collaboration, leadership, and innovation among young minds, ensuring they are well-prepared to address real-world challenges using technology.”
Beyond the technical training and competition, the study camp provided students with crucial exposure to cutting-edge technologies and opportunities for cultural exchange. The initiative is part of Huawei’s commitment to developing a digitally skilled workforce in Africa.
