The Data Transformation Alliance (DTA) and the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) have decided to work hand in glove to setup a state of the art innovative technical laboratory (InnoTechLab) in Cameroon. The lab will act as a hub for the development of the skills of young Cameroonians in multiple fields and trades identified as important vectors of job creation and growth in the country.
DTA is a non-profit making organization set-up by senior officials of the African diaspora passionate about the adoption and acceleration of digital transformation cutting-edge engineering knowledge for a sustainable and prosperous Africa. The management of DTA holds high the ideal that mastering digitalization, engineering and leadership techniques are indispensable ingredients for societies to create and manage their own future.
Amongst the several project ideas submitted by the DTA for partnership discussions with SIFA, the InnoTechLab idea stands out tall like an Iroko tree in the middle of the forest. Convinced by the novelty of the ideas presented by DTA for the InnoTechLab further edified by several weeks of discussions to fine tune the concept and reach a common ground going forward, SIFA decided to support the project by funding the following activities of the lab:
- An Online platform for didactical and technical trainings (3D Experience from Dassault Systems)
- Vocational training systems and workshop infrastructure/Experimental boards:Megatronics and Renewable energy expert
- Digitization infrastructure for practical education: 3D Printers andMechatronics kits – Arduino, Raspberry, Lego, etc.)
Digital Transformation Experience and Exhibition (DITREX) in AFRICA 2020
As a prelude to the launch of the InnoTechLab, DTA organized DITREX-Africa 2020 with the main goal of bringing together stake holders in skills development, the private sector, and government departments to discuss the problematic of TVET, digitalization and African development. Holding on the premises of the Employers’ Union of Cameroon (GICAM) on the 5th of October 2020, the Regional Coordinator of SIFA for Central Africa, taking floor as one of the speakers did a presentation of SIFA and stressed the need for the private sector to adopt skills development as an integral part of their respective organizational cultures. As a logical follow-up to that call, SIFA will be organizing working sessions with members of GICAM to re-echo this message and influence a paradigm shift as regards skill development in the private sector in Cameroon.
The Official Launch of the InnoTechLab
After several weeks of background work, meetings and fine tuning, the InnoTechLab was finally launched on the 14th of October 2020. The launch of the lab located in the industrial zone of Yaounde, was attended by several development partners, representatives of sectorial ministries, TVET institutions as well as major media houses in Cameroon. Specifically amongst those who attended at the inauguration ceremony were the Minister of Employment and Vocation Training (MINEFOP), the Minister of Labour and Social Security (MINTSS), the Minister of Small and Medium Size Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicraft (MINPMEESA) the Regional Coordinator of SIFA for Central Africa, the Rector of the Protestant University of Central Africa (UPAC), the Managing Director of the National Employment Fund (FNE), Several mayors and leaders of industry as well as other important players in the skills development and employment landscape in Cameroon.
The Lab will be connected with other universities, TVET institutions and the skill development eco-system to co-create a value chain around the action lines of the DTA namely: Education & Research; IT and Technology; Experimentation & Fabrication and Incubation & Acceleration. Through the centre, young Cameroonians would be able to access the following modern facilities:
- Smart classes for distance and interative learning;
- World class industry software and tools;
- Cutting-edge technologies;
- World leading tech-OEM partners;
- Cooperation with top universities and institutions worldwide
Following the total buy-in of the government of Cameroon in this project as expressed by the sectorial ministers and other private sector actors present, SIFA will be taking discussions further to render the new-found partnership sustainable. This way, we’ll be able to guarantee the continuity of the lab even beyond the duration of the partnership. We are confident that this partnership would act as a catalyst for the development other partnerships in the other SIFA countries around Africa.
Article by: Alfonce Tata Nfor
Regional Coordinator for Central Africa
Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA)
