For decades ABB has been driving growth through technology and innovation on the African continent and worldwide. Business with a passion is at the core of what drives the company’s innovation, for the benefit of modern society. Its CSI initiatives are an extension of this passion. ABB’s 110-year African heritage is proof that giving back should be the very fabric of any entity, large or small.
The University of the Witwatersrand Technology Centre, known as the Tshimologong Precinct, is a digital technology centre inspired by the Kendal Square Initiative in Boston, USA and the East London Tech City in London’s East End. It is powering digital innovation and catalysing black-owned tech startups for participation in the fourth industrial revolution. Centrally located in Braamfontein, it also serves as the platform for IIoT and Industry 4.0. ABB provides seed funding for technology transfer projects and application of its own technologies in the African economic context. The university has partnerships in the SADEC region, and this fosters growth amongst African colleagues and initiates conversation and transfer of learning.
MD, Leon Viljoen says: “We are excited that our social investment will offer young people access to the digital economy and provide the opportunity for ABB to contribute towards industrial automation and digital technology in the region. It also provides us the opportunity to interact with future business and entrepreneurial leaders, who are brimming with bright ideas. As businesses we are responsible for shaping the future by mentoring those that follow us.”
As an example, ABB Ability would help to show young digital technology graduates, researchers, developers and entrepreneurs the applications that ABB has for the digital future in manufacturing, agriculture, marine utilities, food and beverage, and mining. ABB’s involvement could help to extend the centre’s reach into southern Africa, enabling these countries to benefit from Industry 4.0. This could potentially divert attention away from global research centres to Africa, helping to elevate Africa’s research and development capabilities.
Another proud initiative is the ABB Jürgen Dormann Foundation for Engineering Education. The foundation provides scholarships to talented engineering students in different parts or the world for their first academic degree. Students on the African continent have also been recipients of the programme.
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