Cape Town – The Fourth Industrial Revolution is having a disruptive effect on economies and the development of digital skills is vital, according to Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa.
There is, therefore, an opportunity, especially in Africa, to embrace new and exponential technologies combined with human talent to accelerate industrialization and drive economic growth.
With this in mind, Siemens is handing over equipment specifically related to industrial automation that enables integrated engineering to 13 engineering faculties at universities and colleges in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya.
This is part of the company’s commitment to sustainable skills development across the continent. The value of the equipment is close to R5.5m.
“The uneven development of the past can only be overcome with locally engineered solutions,” says Dall’Omo.
“In an African context, disruptive technology can be seen as an opportunity to leapfrog into the best and most advanced technologies, but this is only possible with access to the right training and equipment.”
According to Dall’Omo, ongoing education and training has a positive effect for both business and society. A strong pipeline of talent with the relevant skills and knowledge is beneficial to governments and businesses, while young people advance into jobs and careers with increased economic opportunity if they have the right skills.”
Siemens has worked closely with training institutions for a number of years through its corporate social responsibility efforts.
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