International information and communications technology company, Huawei has launched its global ICT training-focused corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme in Botswana.

Dubbed Seeds for the Future (SFTF), the ICT training program is designed to help cultivate ICT professionals and is being implemented in 45 countries globally and will be piloted in Botswana in November.

SFTF was launched in Namibia and Kenya last year, and the company plans to extend the project to other African countries including South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, and Ethiopia, among others.

Ramasala Ntwaetsile, Huawei Botswana Deputy Director said the project is expected to drive knowledge transformation and development of the country's ICT industry.

"Participating students will have the chance to study the latest ICT technologies, Huawei's corporate culture and management experience, visit Huawei's exhibition halls and campuses," Ntwaetsile said.

The graduates will explore the latest ICT technologies including 5G, SDN, NFV and cloud computing.

Ten top ICT achievers from University of Botswana (UB) will be selected to pilot the project and head to China for two months.

Huawei will implement the project in collaboration with Ministry of Transport and Communication, Ministry of Education Skills Development, University of Botswana and the Chinese Embassy in Botswana.

Botswana and the Chinese government have applauded Huawei's efforts to help close the skills gap already affecting growth of the ICT sector in Botswana.

"We encourage Huawei to make it more frequent and routine, so that more people can benefit," said Li Nan, Political Counsellor of the China Embassy.

Neil Fitt, permanent secretary in the ministry of transport and communications said the beneficiaries of the SFTF programme should become industry leaders and the backbone of the Southern African country's ICT industry.