The Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) Graduation was held at Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) in Maseru, Lesotho on 14 November 2025 where 27 C&P (Coding & Programming) and 14 AI (Artificial Intelligence) students were awarded their certificates. Dignitaries who addressed students at the event included representatives from Samsung, strategic education partners and key government officials.

The year 2025 marks the third (3^rd) year that the SIC programme has been in operation in Lesotho with 41 students graduating in this current cohort and cumulatively, a total of 145 students have benefitted from this initiative, including opportunities for employment. This graduation ceremony was a celebration of the beneficial effect of the three-year partnership between Samsung and LP, as well as the remarkable achievements of the current group of students who have completed the SIC programme.

The day’s proceedings were filled with moments of pride and inspiration as graduates received their official SIC certificates. Notably, top three (3) students from AI & C&P were awarded Samsung devices [Galaxy S25’s] as additional recognition for being best performers. In addition, the graduating students had an opportunity to showcase their cutting-edge tech projects in coding, AI and digital solutions designed to address real challenges in their communities. The day’s activities also included some uplifting stories from the beneficiaries as well as a display of cultural performances that reflected the vibrant Basotho spirit.

As part of the significant announcements made during the graduation ceremony, the CEO of Wasco — a Lesotho-based Water and Sewerage company and a strategic partner to LP — Mr Falla Seboko, pledged their support to the SIC programme by officially offering employment to two students from this year’s graduating cohort.

For Samsung, ensuring gender diversity in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes — particularly within its education and technology skills training efforts — has always been one of the key priorities. In this SIC programme in particular, it was important to ensure that there was equitable gender representation, fostering an environment where everyone had equal access to opportunities and resources.

The ultimate objective of the SIC programme in Lesotho has been to equip young people with practical digital and technological skills that enhance their employability and prepare them for the future workforce. Through training in areas such as coding, AI and problem-solving, the programme has been seeking to empower youth to become creators of innovative solutions that address local and global challenges.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in Southern Africa, said: “As Samsung, we are very proud of both the outstanding achievements of the graduating students as well as the overall, positive impact that this three-year milestone has had on the lives of 145 Lesotho students since inception.

“We are pleased to note that 20 alumni students are employed, two (2) have started their own companies and about 40 opted to pursue their postgrad studies. As a socially responsible corporate in the African continent, we feel that by aligning with Lesotho’s education and digital transformation goals, the SIC programme has been able to bridge the skills gap, promote inclusive access to technology education and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development through youth empowerment and innovation.”

In addition, the 2025 version of the SIC programme included the AI Capstone Presentation which was formulated by five (5) groups. Each group had two or three members from the AI 2025 class. They had a month to idealise, code, create a prototype and a presentation for their prototype project. The capstone was of an open theme, thereby allowing students to target multiple sectors to solve their own community problems.

In his speech during the graduation ceremony, the Rector of Lerotholi Polytechnic, Professor Spirit Tlali, expressed the institution’s deepest gratitude to Samsung for its visionary partnership. He said: “Through the SIC programme, you have shown genuine commitment to equipping young people with the essential skills needed to thrive in the 4IR era. This collaboration stands as a model of how academia and industry can join hands to deliver education that is relevant, practical and transformative.

“Our C&P students have learnt to code as well as new ways of thinking. The AI graduates, on the other hand, now understand that it’s not about replacing human intelligence but rather enhancing it, amplifying creativity and solving problems that matter. We have now all learnt that technology, when guided by purpose, can uplift lives. Today, we have not only celebrated the achievements of young, bright minds but also innovation, resilience and the potential of our youth to shape the digital future of our nation and the globe.”

The Honourable Minister of Education, Prof Ntoi Rapapa, commended the graduates for their exceptional commitment and emphasised the transformative power of digital education in Lesotho. He had this to say to the graduates, “You are the pioneers of Digital Lesotho, the generation that will lead us into the future. The skills you have gained in coding, artificial intelligence and innovation are not just technical tools; they are instruments of change. Today’s celebration is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and the brilliance of young minds transforming classroom knowledge into solutions that improve lives, create jobs and inspire hope. Your achievements embody the future we are building, one driven by innovation, creativity and technological mastery.”

At this year’s graduation, the SIC partnership with CUT is also celebrating the fact that 16 out of the 21 students have already secured employment, while five (5) of these graduates have opted to further their studies. This is a key milestone in this partnership and a confirmation of how this SIC programme has successfully managed to fulfil its main objectives of addressing South Africa’s youth unemployment and the critical skills gap in technology and innovation.

Since November 2022, when the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Samsung and CUT – this SIC programme has been able to equip an overall group of 71 enthusiastic, young participants with in-demand skills in 4IR including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as Coding and Programming (C&P). This second cohort of CUT students that is now graduating with skills in AI; were also part of the cohort that completed Coding and Programming in Python. The programme has been structured in such a way that it includes theoretical learning, practical sessions and capstone projects.

These essential skills that these CUT students have acquired have not only prepared them for the demands of the modern tech industry but have also turned them into a group of eligible young professionals – able to secure permanent employment in the local market. This global SIC programme is in line with the country’s transformation goals outlined in the National Development Plan, the long-term strategic plan for South Africa’s future which aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030.

Professor Wendy Setlalentoa, CUT acting Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement said: “We are grateful to Samsung for choosing to partner with our institution and for helping us to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people in South Africa. This partnership is a perfect example of a well-functioning and mutually beneficial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with tangible examples of how to address youth unemployment and skills development.

“In the last few years, our institution has had the opportunity to play a crucial role in providing the curriculum and training for students in 4IR skills and focus on developing practical skills that have helped prepare our graduates for future careers in innovation and technology space,” added Prof. Setlalentoa.

CUT’s Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) has also supported the SIC programme by creating an enabling education environment and improving the quality of teaching and learning. Also, CUT students that participated in the SIC programme have now developed stronger problem-solving skills, which are crucial for both career advancement and entrepreneurial pursuits. And furthermore, the institution’s broader emphasis on work-integrated learning and industry exposure has allowed CUT to play an instrumental role in securing jobs for students participating in the SIC programme, primarily through its Careers Office and other key industry partners. Some of the partners who are employers to these employed graduates and their primary activities include: Capacity – Full stack developer in Python; BoxFusion – Junior Data Analyst and Junior Software Engineer respectively; Vodacom – Software Architect; BitCube – Junior Software Developer Associate and Standard Bank – Junior Software Engineer.

One of the top performing students in the graduating cohort, Mpho Macdonald Ramaisa said: “I am overjoyed and exceptionally grateful to have been part of the SIC programme. The programme has equipped me with critical skills, particularly in the tech field and these, have now boosted my confidence in my abilities, given me a clearer career direction and enhanced my innovative thinking skills.

“The majority of us have already secured jobs and this alone, has given us a sense of purpose and accomplishment. For us, access to these in-demand tech skills needed by our local economy and the employment opportunities that we have secured – means that we will be able to create better opportunities for ourselves and our families,” Ramaisa.

The partnership between Samsung and CUT has also seen success in the increase of female representation in the SIC programme as well as in ensuring that graduates have better opportunities in the job market or entrepreneurship space. The gender split in this graduating cohort is as follows: 52% female representation.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in Southern Africa said: “We are very proud of what this partnership has achieved since inception; and how well its accomplishments align with the country’s vision 2030 goals.

Importantly, this collaboration with CUT has also ensured that these students are now equipped with skills to contribute to the digital economy. But most importantly, in conjunction with CUT – we have now been able to accomplish Samsung’s education vision which centres around fostering future technological leaders and ICT entrepreneurs by providing accessible and engaging learning experiences that integrate technology and real-world application.”

These programmes offer support to underprivileged youth and aim to cultivate creative thinking while also providing critical skills training needed by the local economy. By doing so, Samsung is creating opportunities for young people to make a positive impact on their communities and society. Samsung spoke to some of the beneficiaries from its education-focused initiatives that are driven through technology and this is what they had to say:

Siyabonga ‘Siya” Mojalefa Tshabalala originally from Qwaqwa in the Free State was part of the 2022 Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme in partnership with Central University of Technology (CUT). SIC is a global initiative that upskills youth aged 18-25 in future technologies to enhance their employability while focusing on AI, IoT, Big Data and Coding. Siya explained: “ Through this SIC programme – I gained hands-on experience through paper coding, peer programming and projects and these skills have helped me to solve real-world problems. The programme also taught me some important soft skills that are required in work environments, these included communication, critical thinking, problem solving skills and ability to collaborate with others.”

Another beneficiary, 26 year old Mulalo Ndou, did her undergrad in Mathematical Science and majored in Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She also completed her honours in Risk Analysis (Cum-laude) at the University of the Free State (UFS).

According to Mulalo, Samsung’s bursary fund was her light at the end of the tunnel. Mulalo received funding from Samsung when she needed it to complete her last year of studies. “I lost the funding I had for my studies in my final year and had to go back home, but Samsung came through for me, she said. “This bursary fund paid for my annual fees and accommodation in my final year and postgraduate studies. It also provided me with a monthly meal and living stipend as well as an allowance for a laptop.”

After Mulalo finished her postgrad, Samsung provided her with an internship opportunity. “When the internship period was over, Samsung gave me a full-time position as a Process Improvement Data Analyst/Reporting Specialist am very grateful to the individuals at Samsung who helped me to be successful in my role,” she added. In an effort to pay it forward, Mulalo also works as a volunteer at Rising Females in STEM, as she is also a Rising Female in Technology and Mathematics.

Mulalo said that she has always wanted to be one of the mentors in the Samsung Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) programme. “This SFT opportunity came at the right time and has been an amazing experience. I am learning something new each day from the participating learners and most importantly, how to become a great mentor.”

Nzumbululo Todani, an 18 year old learner from Mbilwi Secondary in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. Nzumbululo is one of the beneficiaries from the SFT contest that challenges students to use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills to solve real-world problems in their respective, local communities. His participation in the SFT competition has proved to be invaluable – he attributes his academic achievements in 2024 to his experience in the programme. Nzumbululo was awarded the top learner in the province for the 2024 NSC examinations with an average aggregate of 97%. Also, he was awarded for obtaining 300/300 in two gateway subjects: Physical Science and Geography.

“When I participated in the contest, I assumed the role of team co-ordinator, managing and planning the daily landscape of the project and doing quality control on the prototype as well as all papers written and the final presentation. The competition left me with invaluable communication, leadership, planning, evaluation and time management skills.”

Thoriso Rangata is a 32 year male entrepreneur and the owner of KTO Digital – a Business Process Automation, Software Development Services and Background Screening Software as a Service (SaaS) solution provider. He currently stays in Johannesburg but is originally from Limpopo and is one of the beneficiaries of the Samsung EEIP Entrepreneurship Development Programme. Thoriso became part of the programme when he responded to a public call for applications. At the time, his business needed support so that they could meet the company’s growth objectives.”

Since being part of the EEIP programme, Thoriso won the Nedbank Business of the Year Award in 2022. His company also launched their own product and received accreditation for the business as a credit bureau in 2022.

“The other direct benefits that we received from being part of the programme included: Grant Funding, Asset Financing and Continuous Business Mentorship that our business needed in order for us to move forward, Thoriso added. “We strongly believe that the skills we acquired from this EEIP programme, which included Business regulatory governance structures and strategic business growth approaches/methods – have contributed to the success of our business to date.”

Through these education-focused CSR programmes that are driven by technology, Samsung is actively promoting the transfer of critical skills as well as both employment and entrepreneurship opportunities that are needed by the country’s youth and the local economy.

The testimonials from the youth that participated in Samsung’s programmes mentioned above, are a clear indication of the impact the company is making in South Africa. By continuing to fund such programmes, Samsung is working towards winning the fight against youth unemployment, inequality and poverty in the country;  through job creation and the development of a skilled workforce.

In response to this need, Samsung has – over the years through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives such as the global Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) – collaborated with esteemed academic institutions such as the Walter Sisulu University (WSU). This strategic partnership was formed in an effort to bridge the gap between traditional education and the demand for skills training tailored specifically for the current job market that requires modern tech expertise.

Importantly, Samsung recognises how essential SIC is in driving economic growth and technological advancement in South Africa and the continent as a whole. This partnership with WSU therefore, aims to provide ICT education to students from underserved communities in the Eastern Cape. This global SIC programme is designed to provide practical, cutting-edge training in digital skills and has since inception, also trained participants on a range of soft skills to foster talented youth who will go on to shape the future society. This SIC programme is a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to continue addressing the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

These are some of the reasons why Samsung has remained dedicated to making a long-term social impact by investing in education, youth skills training and technological innovation. Over the years, the company has invested in youth development and workforce skills training by equipping students with in-demand digital skills needed by the local economy.

Along with core competencies such as artificial intelligence (AI) as well as Coding and Programming (C&P) training in Python – SIC has been providing progressive knowledge to students ensuring that they are both academically qualified and industry work-ready.

These high-demand skills are positioning the country’s youth for careers in technology-driven sectors and entrepreneurship. The institution is making these incredible strides because it has long recognised that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping education, work and daily life. WSU has now also ensured that technology is integrated into its teaching, research and student development initiatives. Importantly, the university has now made sure that digital transformation has become a strategic priority, by establishing an AI Centre that will serve as a hub for advanced digital skills training, research and innovation.

For Samsung’s CSR initiatives, measurable impact on the country’s youth including young women has always been essential. This SIC programme has now touched the lives of about 71 young people at WSU – a combination of both males and females. With this programme, WSU students have now been prepared for careers in technology by creating both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that will help them make a positive impact on society. For this reason, Samsung spoke to some alumni students about their experience in the programme and this, is what they had to say:

A graduate and an alumni from the WSU-SIC programme who is originally from Lusikisiki, Atsho Nota has a diploma in Application Development studies which she believes has given her a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving.

Atsho has always been passionate about technology and how it can be used to improve people’s lives. She added that this programme has made a significant difference in her personal and professional growth.

“It has given me the opportunity to develop hands-on technical skills”, she explained: “I’ve now gained industry experience and it has improved my confidence in working with advanced technology. Also, the practical training has enhanced my problem-solving abilities significantly and prepared me for real-world challenges in the tech industry,” she added. Atsho’s future plans include advancing her career in the tech industry, possibly specialising in software development. She hopes to use her skills to contribute to innovative solutions and maybe even start her own business in the future. Atsho also wants to continue learning and growing in the field of technology to stay updated with industry advancements.

Another impressive alumni student from the SIC programme is Lazola Leonardo Mbangata, who is currently running his own start-up company called Xero Technologies, while also pursuing a postgraduate degree – majoring in Software development. Born and raised in Butterworth, this young man has various certifications in data science and cyber security. For Lazola, this SIC programme has played a crucial role in his career and advancement in IT.

He believes that studying Python and AI has advanced his development skills and enhanced his projects for automation and usability – thus bringing him one step closer to his future goal of AI security. “I decided to sign up for the programme because of my interest in AI and Python because I believed that this would grow my mind and understanding in the field, he said. “Also, working with a big company like Samsung was potentially an opportunity for crucial doors to be opened for me.”

What Lazola found most interesting during the SIC lessons is the diversity in IT and the opportunity to not only build software but also to deal with software management and publishing. These skills that Lazola acquired have ensured that his business is on track for success. What is still a bit of a challenge is finding local clients, however he’s still quite determined and very optimistic.

For Samsung, this partnership with WSU exemplifies the kind of university-industry collaboration that has ensured that together, they can continue training the leaders of tomorrow to use AI tools and other innovative technology platforms to effectively maximise the benefits of these new and exciting emerging technologies in their future careers.

These testimonies are proof that this SIC initiative not only enhances individual career prospects, but also contributes significantly to building a group of resilient and future-ready workforce as well as technology entrepreneurs. Samsung’s efforts underscore its broader commitment to technological innovation and sustainable community development in the country.

Sinethemba Mpambane, DVC: Institutional Support and Development at WSU said: “In a country that is facing significant youth unemployment, this SIC curriculum is a game-changer as it offers students direct access to opportunities in AI, software development and digital solutions, while also fostering innovation and problem-solving. As WSU, we are now looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with Samsung, expanding these programmes and continuing to empower students with future-ready skills.”

Mpambane added that all these WSU-driven initiatives will complement this SIC programme by providing a platform for students and industry partners to engage in cutting-edge AI-driven projects. For WSU – the impact of this SIC programme is clear. Graduates are leaving with more than just certificates; they possess tangible, in-demand skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.

And furthermore, WSU in partnership with Samsung is committed to shaping the next generation of African technology leaders. This institution is seeking to become an impactful, technology-infused African university that remains relevant in today’s digital world, while preparing its students for the future. The SIC programme is but one of the ways of ensuring that WSU achieves its vision for the future.

Samsung recently celebrated the increase in female representation, a perfectly balanced 50/50 gender split in the second cohort of students that graduated from the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme in partnership with Central University of Technology (CUT).

For Samsung, measurable impact which includes female representation has always been at the centre of Samsung’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Samsung’s report that is focusing on evaluating the effectiveness of its CSR initiatives in South Africa, has confirmed that its SIC programme has managed to provide students in various tertiary institutions including CUT – with critical skills that are relevant to the local economy, essentially grooming candidates to become fit for employment^*.

The electronics giant has gone a step further and had genuine conversations with five female beneficiaries out of the group of 26 students that graduated in the second cohort of the CUT-SIC programme, in an effort to ascertain its impact on their lives, both personally and career wise. These female students confirmed what is in the Samsung report and attested to the fact that the CUT-SIC programme has indeed enhanced their knowledge of coding, programming and AI. Also, they elaborated on how this experience has broadened their minds, increased their skills relevance and facilitated the opportunity to even start their own businesses^*.

Below is what this group of enthusiastic graduates had to say when they were given an opportunity to share their experience in the CUT-SIC programme:

Divine Ripfumelo Mhlongo who hails from Polokwane in Limpopo – is a third year Computer Networking student at CUT that is located in the Free State. She secured a place into the SIC programme after passing the selection test. Mhlongo said that was the beginning of her journey and it has been nothing but amazing.

“I have now learnt a new programming language and I’ve had an opportunity to dive deep into AI and machine learning, which I have been curious about for a very long time. My life was focused on Computer Networking because it is all I knew and I wanted to start my career in that field. However, when I was part of the SIC programme – I started to understand how big the technology world is and loved the idea of venturing into something new. I’ve also gained some much needed, advanced problem-solving skills.”

Mhlongo is now convinced that her life has changed for the better since joining this programme. Combined with her keen dedication for learning, she feels that she has learnt a lot of things which include skills in Python, AI and Machine Learning. Also, she believes that there are more job opportunities that she can now venture into.

Originally from Kroonstad, Victoria Nthabiseng Nketu – a postgraduate masters’ student in information technology at CUT that is focusing on AI – saw the SIC programme advertised. She registered, wrote an entry test and was accepted. Before the SIC programme, she said that she had little knowledge about Python but has now acquired knowledge about this high-level programming language as well as how and where to apply it.

She added: “The programme has helped me a lot in my studies as I have now applied some of the skills I have learnt from SIC to my system – Natural Processing Language. Also, as a Masters’ student with AI as my main topic – this programme has definitely made my academic life easier. As much as I’m required to read articles to research about my topic, the SIC programme has taught me how to apply the knowledge I’ve gained into the system that I’m developing.”

Also, Nketu believes that with AI experts needed globally, there are now many job opportunities, as the world is slowly but surely changing into using AI systems in everyday life.  She is therefore advising young people to invest in skills such as Python as it is the common language used in AI, so that they can have more opportunities in the industry. She is convinced that with these kinds of skills, our youth will also be able to open their own businesses and make an impact in the world.

Another passionate, final year Computer Networking student at CUT – Lenechia Cloete from Namaqualand Steinkopf, said that she heard about the SIC programme through her University. Like others, she applied and wrote a selection test that she passed and was then chosen to be one of the 26 students to take part in the SIC programme.

Cloete explained: “Before joining the SIC programme, I was very passionate about technology but I lacked practical experience and confidence in my coding abilities. The programme has taught me valuable skills, particularly in Python. I also developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills and this has been quite valuable. After completing the first part of the SIC programme, which focuses mainly on programming, I now feel much more prepared for the job market.”

Also, Cloete is of the view that her coding skills have improved significantly and that she now has a better understanding of how to apply them in a professional setting. Importantly, she also noted proudly that she has spoken to two companies about her internship opportunities for when she graduates and after telling them about the SIC programme, she received some very positive feedback. She believes that this is a direct result of the skills and confidence she gained through the programme.

Cloete is also encouraging youth to not be afraid to take the leap into the technology field as it is the future. She is of the opinion that technology is an ever-growing field with endless possibilities and that programmes like SIC will provide a lot of youth with knowledge to succeed and tools to make the possibilities of job opportunities even better. She added: “Thanks to the SIC programme, I now feel more equipped to pursue a successful career in networking.”

Maneo Ntseliseng Ramahlosi who is born and bred in Maseru, Lesotho is now busy with final touches on her Masters’ dissertation. After applying for the programme, she made it as one of the 26 successful candidates that passed the entry test into CUT-SIC. Before the SIC programme, she said: “I was not much of a programmer. I have now gained confidence with my programming skills as well as the use of AI.

“In all honesty, as much as my life has not significantly changed after the completion of the SIC programme, because I was still focused on completing my Masters. I have now gained an interest in the use and application of AI in our daily lives. The skills I acquired from the course have made me a better contender amongst my peers. Because of this, I would now advise and encourage anyone who has the opportunity to be part of the SIC programme – to grab this wonderful opportunity without hesitation,” added Ramahlosi.

And lastly, Lerato Motsabi from Thaba-Nchu who is currently residing in Bloemfontein is another final-year student studying Information Technology. She became part of the SIC programme after her INT lecturer posted about it – she filled out the forms, passed a selection test in February this year and secured her spot. Before the SIC programme, she said that she was too focused on her studies but did not have much exposure in the tech industry. The SIC programme  has therefore taught her some specific skills such as Programming, Software Development and Python.

Also, Motsabi emphasized: “The SIC programme has sharpened my innovative thinking skills and has given me a broader understanding of the tech field and its applications. Life after the programme has definitely been great! I feel more confident in my abilities and I have a clearer direction for my future.”

She is urging students considering joining these kinds of programmes or pursuing a career in tech to go for it! She concluded by saying: “The SIC programme is an amazing opportunity to learn, grow and network. It could change anyone’s life like it has mine. So, don’t be afraid to take the leap – apply and join the world of technological innovators.”

The SIC programme, part of Samsung’s global corporate social investment initiatives, is designed to equip students with essential Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills. It primarily targets university students, recent graduates, and young professionals who are looking to enhance their technical skills and knowledge. The 46 graduates completed a rigorous curriculum combining theoretical learning and practical application, encompassing the cutting-edge area of Coding & Programming.

“As Samsung, we are thrilled that this initiative, while in its infancy, is showing great signs of yielding positive fruits that will have a long-lasting effect on the lives of the youth, the country’s fortunes and its capacity to be competitive on the global stage. The completion of this programme by these two cohorts underscores our commitment to fostering technological excellence and innovation. By empowering CUT students with 4IR skills, we are not only contributing to their individual growth but also to the broader technological advancement of South Africa,” said Lenhle Khoza, Manager: BBBEE and Transformation at Samsung.

The central goal of the SIC programme is to address the need for work-ready and employable graduates in technology, and also give youth from underserved communities access to these crucial skills. By providing students with advanced technical skills, the SIC prepares them for the rapidly evolving technology landscape while creating new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

One of the graduates, Maneo Ntseliseng Ramahlosi, who was born and bred in Maseru, Lesotho said she was not much of a programmer but has now gained confidence with her programming skills as well as the use of AI. “After completing the SIC programme, which happened as I was still completing my Masters. I have now gained an interest in the use and application of AI in our daily lives. The skills I acquired from the course have made me a better contender amongst my peers. Because of this, I would now advise and encourage anyone who has the opportunity to be part of the SIC programme – to grab this wonderful opportunity without hesitation,” added Ramahlosi.

Professor Muthoni Masinde, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at CUT, remarked, “We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the two cohorts of graduates from the Samsung Innovation Campus. This partnership has proven to be transformative, equipping our students with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s digital economy. We are proud to see our graduates step into the future as technologically adept leaders. Being able to plough back into the local community is great and we’re fortunate to be part of the programme and thankful to Samsung for it.”

These business trade and investment agendas are discussed under various themes that include industrial development and investment promotion, trade expansion and job creation, the strengthening of food and mineral security as well as responses to climate change and decarbonisation – all of which are of mutual interest to both Korea and the African continent. This strategic, trade business platform provides Samsung with an opportunity to showcase its 30-year stay and investment in Africa.

The trade expansion and job creation theme in particular, which seeks to promote economic co-operation by expanding trade between Korea and Africa; as well as by creating new jobs and business opportunities – aligns perfectly with the positive strides made by Samsung in Africa in the last three decades. Samsung has put significant focus on harnessing the power of technology and innovation to effect great positive change in Africa. Specifically, this year, Samsung proudly ushered in the new era of mobile AI on the African continent – the Galaxy S24 series.

Samsung’s plans to enhance its presence in the continent included the launch of the New Smartphone Assembly Plant in Egypt. The 6,000-square-meter plant that was scheduled to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2023 was established mainly to manufacture phones for both local consumption and export.

The company already operates a factory in Beni Suef which was established in 2014 with the current facility manufacturing smartphones, TVs and tablets. Last year, Samsung introduced Egypt-made smartphones to the market. With an annual production capacity of 6-million units, approximately 85% of the output is exported to the Middle East and Africa.

As a result of close collaboration between Samsung and the South African authorities, the company has in the last decade expanded its manufacturing presence in the country by opening a multi-million rand manufacturing plant, located at the Dube TradePort, approximately 30-kilometres north of the coastal city of Durban. Initially, the plant focused on manufacturing domestic appliances such as refrigerators and stoves with plans to expand production to include televisions and other electronic devices.

The electronics giant also revealed its plans to build another multi- million rand TV factory at the same Dube TradePort in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. Due to the factory’s success in creating jobs and giving back to the local economy and community, Samsung is expanding its operations to export products into the rest of the SADC region.

In addition, Samsung South Africa’s landmark R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) which was launched in May 2019 in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtic), is now celebrating five years of sustained success.

Five years in and Samsung’s EEIP programme has managed to rise to the challenge of achieving its ambitious goals.

Measurable outcomes include an accumulative investment of R138-million to date in SME development and capacity building in the ICT sector. With environmental sustainability being one of the major focus areas for Samsung, one black-woman-owned E-waste business was supported.

Through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, Samsung has also continued to put great emphasis on the need to empower the youth by ensuring that young people contribute greatly to Africa’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) agenda and objectives. To this effect, since 1994 when Samsung entered the African continent – through the establishment of the South African office, there’s been a push for a transformation agenda by investing in a number of empowerment programmes for the future, which have now led to positive social changes within the broader African continent.

Over the years, Samsung has also been running a number of education-focused initiatives, driven through technology across the African continent. One of Samsung’s flagship programmes is the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC)   which seeks to upskill youth aged 18-25 years in future technologies and enhance their employability. This SIC programme offers specially designed curriculum focused on technology development and is tailored to bridge the gap between conventional academic content and the dynamic demands of the tech industry. The skills acquired by students include AI, IoT, Big Data, Coding and Programming – driven through strategic partnerships with institutions of higher educations in Africa.

In both South Africa and Lesotho, Samsung has entered into SIC programme partnerships with a number of higher education institutions. And furthermore, the company has been growing the SIC programme by rolling it out into the rest of Africa, into territories including Kenya, Malawi, Namibia and Nigeria. Samsung launched engineering academies across the continent including South Africa and Nigeria.

One hundred were trained and 53 recently graduated in two states: Ekiti and Lagos State in Nigeria. All these graduates are now expected to deepen the pool of well-trained technicians in the African continent. Youth in Africa are now in a positive position to seize the opportunities ahead.

Hundreds of graduates from countries such as South Africa, Nigeria and more completed the programme successfully, emerging as changemakers to lead innovation for years to come. Samsung’s commitment and continued investment in the sustainable transformation of the continent re-affirms its position as a passionate supporter and enabler of African dreams.

The company remains resolute in its quest to use its innovative technology, now driven by AI to make a measurable difference in the development of the African continent and that includes its strong partnerships with entities in the public and private sector; as well as the empowerment of young, black Africans and their respective communities.

Samsung is a proud supporter of the Korea-Africa Summit in South Korea, 3 – 5 June 2024.

For more information, visit https://news.samsung.com/za