Huawei opens applications for Women in Tech programme

by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – Huawei South Africa has opened applications for the 2026 Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme.

The programme will be held in Johannesburg from August 26 to 28.

Now in its sixth year and held during Women’s Month, this flagship initiative helps women build the digital skills needed to compete, adapt and lead in an artificial intelligence-driven economy.

This year’s theme is **”HERbytes: Small Business. Big Intelligence.”**

The theme comes at a pivotal moment for South African businesses.

According to Sage’s *Small Business, Big Opportunity* report, 73 percent of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have already invested in AI, outpacing many established global economies.

Separate research by GeoPoll and Africa 118 found that 62 percent of women-led businesses have adopted the technology, most commonly for marketing, productivity and customer service.

“AI can feel intimidating, especially if you’re running a small business,” said Vanashree Govender, Senior PR Manager for Media and Communications at Huawei South Africa.

“The programme is about making that technology practical. We want participants to leave with tools they can start using immediately to grow their businesses.”

The three-day programme will be held at Huawei’s campus.

Courses include introductions to 5G-A, AI and cloud computing.

There will also be a practical session on useful tools and gadgets for small business success, presented in partnership with a South African consumer technology publication.

The final day, hosted at Henley Business School Africa, will focus on personal leadership, business resilience and strategic adaptability in the data era.

Participants who complete all three days will receive certificates of attendance.

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has supported the initiative since its launch in 2021.

– CAJ News