Huawei and the University of Mauritius (UOM) have signed a memorandum of understanding which paves the way for the launch of the country's first Huawei Authorised Information and Network Academy (HAINA) Lab.

HAINA authorises academic institutions to deliver Huawei certification courses.

Yogida Sawmynaden, Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation in Mauritius says the HAINA programme complements the government's plans to prepare Mauritius to embark on a new era of development through digital transformation.

"The implementation of such initiatives in the local landscape is proof of the importance of research and development for government. China has the technology, equipment, professional experience and capital needed to help Mauritius implement its national ICT strategic plan which encompasses promoting Mauritius as an ICT service hub to the region, driving digital transformation and unlocking new opportunities for industrial enterprises."

The first HAINA Lab was launched at Kenya's Strathmore University in 2013 and the University of Nairobi opened Kenya's second HAINA Lab in November 2016.

The first launch in Southern Africa took place in April 2016 at South Africa's Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and more labs have since been implemented in other institutions in that country including at the University of the Witwatersrand earlier this month.

The global network of HAINA Labs covers more than 130 academic institutions.

Dookun-Luchoomun, Minister of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientifi¬c Research in Mauritius emphasised that the HAINA initiative is an extension of academic learning at university and will enrich local students through hands-on experience.

"Students should harness a research and innovative culture and create new avenues of development through this collaborative framework."

Huawei says ten Mauritian students, sponsored by the company, have received their certificate of admission for the Seeds for the Future (SFTF) programme for ICT training in China.

SFTF is Huawei's flagship CSR project launched in 2008 aimed at promoting knowledge transfer and interest in the telecom industry