Lenovo courts UB to empower entrepreneurs
Multinational Technology Company Lenovo, Southern Africa division has partnered with the University of Botswana (UB) in the institution’s mission of ‘Creating a Future for The Knowledge Generation.’
The partnership was cemented by the unveiling of the first of its kind Digital Entrepreneurship Pod at the UB. The handover of the Pod is the first step in a shared journey between the two institutions’ shared vision of enabling future generations of graduates.
Vice Chancellor Professor David Norris stated that the university has in time past not been able to nurture talented and innovative students since there was no environment to do so.
That is why they are creating a Centre for Business Development and Entrepreneurship to support student start-ups. Moreover, Norris urged universities to create environments that harness the skills and talents of people. Norris explained that the aim of the partnership between the university and Lenovo is to achieve the university’s strategic vision of creating a future for the knowledge generation through the three key areas of the academic value chain which are teaching and learning, research and development, as well as engagement.
Services that will be offered at the Digital Entrepreneurship Pod include giving users Future-Ready Skills, technical and non-technical, as well as entrepreneurial friendly services, mental health workshops, as well as mentorship and ecosystem support.
The pod will also serve as a cocreation platform where existing and aspiring entrepreneurs are empowered with digital tools and skills, as well as the required ecosystem that enables creativity and innovation with socioeconomic impact. General Manager for Lenovo Southern Africa, Thibault Dousson noted that 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. “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 re-skilling and up skilling is readily available.”
Dousson noted that the handover of the Digital Entrepreneurship Pod supports their brand vision of providing smarter technology for all and is in line with the university’s vision.