Lenovo, UB to drive digital entrepreneurship
PC manufacturer, Lenovo, has partnered with the University of Botswana (UB) to drive the institution’s goal of ‘Creating a Future for the Knowledge Generation’. As part of the partnership, Lenovo handed over to UB, the first of its kind Digital Entrepreneurship Pod.
This is the first stage of a shared vision to enable the future generations of graduates between Lenovo and the UB as part of a strategic partnership. In the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, UB through its strategic vision of, ‘Creating a Future for the Knowledge Generation’, is committed to contributing to Botswana’s aspirations of becoming a knowledge-based economy.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Norris opened the event by saying: “I am delighted at the prospects the partnership with Lenovo will provide the university in order to achieve our strategic vision of creating a future for the knowledge generation through the three key areas of the academic value chain, teaching and learning, research and development, as well as engagement. We are looking forward to what will come from this wonderful partnership.”
The Digital Entrepreneurship Pod will serve as a co-creation platform where existing and aspiring entrepreneurs are empowered with digital tools and skills, as well as the required eco-system that enables creativity and innovation with socio-economic impact.
Services that will be offered at the Digital Entrepreneurship Pod are in the three areas of Future-Ready Skills (technical and non-technical), Entrepreneurial-Friendly Services (mental health workshops as well as mentorship), and Ecosystem Support.
During the handover, Thibault Dousson, general manager for Lenovo Southern Africa, said: “In a world where graduates will have jobs and careers yet to be even imagined, Lenovo education technology inspires and empowers the future of learning and innovation. Lenovo believes smarter and better education for all starts with connectivity and smarter technology for all.
Furthermore, for the generations of youth that are growing up with technology as a natural extension of their lives, personalised computing in education and entrepreneurship can enable them to engage, learn, and create like never before.
Our partnership with the University of Botswana is part of our belief that industry collaboration in providing educational institutions with the tools they need to nurture student ambition is key.
With the use of technology in education becoming more prevalent, we believe schools and higher education institutions must ensure that students have the skills needed in the workplace upon graduation and that continuing education in the form of reskilling and upskilling is readily available.
The handover of the Digital Entrepreneurship Pod today not only supports our brand vision of providing Smarter Technology for All, but also aligns with the university vision of Creating a Future for the Knowledge Generation.”