Botswana has officially launched the 2025 edition of Huawei’s Seeds for the Future programme, selecting five university students to represent the country at a prestigious global tech exchange in China.
The national send-off ceremony, held at the Hilton Hotel in Gaborone, was officiated by Honourable Shawn Ntlhaile, Assistant Minister of Communications and Innovation. The initiative marks a significant investment in Botswana’s digital future and spotlights the country’s commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and skills development.
The five students were chosen for their academic excellence, digital fluency, and leadership potential. They will travel to Shenzhen from 7 to 11 July 2025 to participate in a global training programme alongside more than 20,000 peers worldwide. Participants will be exposed to emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
“This programme goes beyond technical training – it challenges students to reimagine what’s possible in the digital world and equips them to shape it,” said David Ding, Director of Enterprise Business at Huawei.
During their stay in China, the students will also compete in the Tech4Good innovation challenge, which encourages teams to develop tech-driven solutions for global social issues. In a collaborative and cross-cultural learning environment, they will engage with top engineers, global experts, and fellow innovators.
Hon. Ntlhaile praised Huawei for supporting Botswana’s long-term vision for a digitally inclusive economy. “As the Ministry of Communications and Innovation, we firmly believe that innovation must be inclusive. We understand that investing in young people is not a mere choice, but a strategic imperative,” he said. “Through Seeds for the Future, Huawei is doing more than just building technical skills; they are building confidence, competence, and character.
Since its launch in 2008, Seeds for the Future has grown into Huawei’s flagship CSR programme, now spanning over 150 countries. In Botswana, it aligns with national priorities under Vision 2036, focusing on digital literacy, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.
Huawei continues to work closely with local universities and government institutions to ensure that young Batswana are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.