South Africa’s digital economy will not reach its full potential without women at the centre. Picture: Huawei
South Africa’s digital economy will not reach its full potential without women at the centre.
That was the message as Huawei South Africa launched the sixth edition of its Women in Tech Digital Skills Development Programme, giving 50 entrepreneurs and public‑sector leaders three days of hands‑on training in AI, cloud computing and 5G‑Advanced.
Held under the theme HERabytes: Small Business. Big Intelligence, the programme focused on equipping women‑led businesses with practical tools to harness AI for growth.
Evolution of AI
The opening day began with an official welcome, followed by a session with Toby Shapshak from Stuff on the evolution of AI, how it is changing the way we work, and why change is unavoidable.
“We have to remember that we are the human intelligence and that AI is a parrot,” he said. “It may be impressive, game-changing technology, but we’re the reason it exists, and we’re still in the driving seat.”
Participation
For Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director-General of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, participation means more than connecting people; it means ensuring they can turn technology into opportunities.
“An AI economy that excludes women will not reach its potential. A digital economy that includes women is stronger, more innovative, more competitive and more resilient. Women must be recognised as the future leaders, the innovators and the creators.”
Training
Huawei partnered with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and Henley Business School Africa to deliver the training.
The initiative is part of Huawei’s broader commitment to digital inclusion and skills development.
“Technology has value because of what people can do with it,” said Charles Cheng, Deputy CEO of Huawei South Africa.
“Innovation becomes meaningful when it creates opportunity, strengthens businesses, and enables more people to participate in the economic possibilities technology creates. We want women entrepreneurs to be firmly part of that future.”
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Real world challenges
Participants explored how AI can be applied to real‑world business challenges — from customer insights and marketing to demand forecasting and automation.
“Artificial intelligence is accelerating what is possible,” said Christina Naidoo, COO of Huawei South Africa.
“For South African women entrepreneurs, this is a rare opportunity. We do not have to arrive at the end of this technology wave and spend years catching up. We can be part of shaping it from the start.”
Beyond tech
Beyond technology, the programme emphasised leadership and confidence.
“AI can help us work faster, see patterns we might otherwise miss, and open doors that were previously closed. But AI cannot decide who we want to be as leaders,” said Jacques le Roux, COO of Henley Business School Africa.
Investment
The programme concluded with a certification ceremony, reinforcing Huawei’s long‑term investment in building South Africa’s digital talent pipeline.
“Our goal and vision are to reduce the digital gender divide and encourage a digital‑first mindset for entrepreneurs,” said Vanashree Govender, Huawei’s Senior PR Manager.
“As we close off this year’s Women’s Month, we are excited about what the future holds.”
Women are already driving South Africa’s digital economy, running businesses and creating jobs every day.
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