Simbarashe Mhlanga, CEO of the EPF Innovation Campus, with some of the students.

The Innovation Campus, based in South Africa, says it is boosting up efforts to spur innovation on the continent by assisting young people in developing global-value technology solutions.

By doing so, the Innovation Campus says it will help to create jobs and encourage local as well as global companies to embrace African-developed technology solutions.

The Innovation Campus, which is supported by the tech non-profit Empire Partner Foundation (EPF), boasts to have already created over 200 jobs and worked with over 50 clients, including Absa, Betterhome Group, Tesserai Data, Probono, and Paypoint Direct.

This follows the EPF's announcement in January that it has set aside a multimillion dollar tech fund to explore investment opportunities in Africa, while also developing strategic relationships with companies and foundations across the continent to co-invest and amplify impact.

Simbarashe Mhlanga, CEO of the EPF Innovation Campus, says: "The campus serves as a beacon of opportunity for young, brilliant, and creative minds ready to make a difference. Together, we are creating a brighter tomorrow, full of optimism, creativity, and limitless possibilities."

He adds, "Our advanced lead generation and client management solutions have increased our impact."

Mhlanga believes the EPF Innovation Campus's success reflects the creativity and passion of the young minds it nurtures.

"The EPF Innovation Campus has come a long way since its inception, leaving impression on both individuals and companies. We enable tomorrow's visionaries to face today's challenges and construct a better future by cultivating an environment of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning," he says.

According to Mhlanga, the EPF Innovation Campus has made significant progress by developing solutions that include:

• Orcaa.ai: a learning evaluation platform used by Vodacom, Girlcode, and Digication. Orcaa.ai enhances skills development programs through five key pillars: placement, learning, tracking, monitoring, and marketplace.
• Proba Analytics: an AI-driven data analysis and risk analysis platform that transforms data utilization, compliance, and ESG reporting. It includes a tool for verifying indigent workers in partnership with South African Local Government Association.
  
• Workstreams for ProBono: a social engagement platform that facilitates structured discussions and collaborations on national challenges like agriculture, education, and energy.

Also, he adds that his team has subsequently established AI Academy, where students are not only trained but also given the tools and knowledge they need to excel, opening new opportunities for them.

According to him, AI Academy focuses on artificial intelligence and provides training in machine learning, data science, blockchain, virtual reality, and cloud computing.

"Since its establishment in 2016, the EPF Innovation Campus has been more than just a hub for technological advancements; it has been a place where futures are forged," says Mhlanga.

"From its humble beginnings to the present day, the Campus has grown into a nurturing ground for individuals and organisations, helping them achieve their fullest potential with passion and purpose."