Three students of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology of the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies joined students from other African countries for the 2nd Africa Tech Exposure Camp held from 7th to 11th April, 2025 at the Google Product Development Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Themed “AI, Android & Languages: Building a Tech Career in the Age of AI,” the camp brought together university students and early-career technologists from across Africa for a week of learning, innovation, and mentorship. The annual mentorship programme is organised by Varsity Mentor, a nonprofit organisation that focuses on tackling graduate unemployment in Africa by providing digital skills training and mentoring university students.
The mentorship programme focused on equipping students with essential knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Android development, and the role of African languages in technology. Sessions covered areas such as effective learning strategies, AI-assisted reading, system design, data structures, user experience, CV writing, and the ethical development of AI grounded in African values.
The event featured a rich lineup of expert speakers from institutions such as Google, MIT, Zetech University, and Silicon Valley African Film Festival, Prof. Clapperton Mavhunga, Mekka Okereke, Marita Golden, Sekou Remy, Prof. Alice Njuguna, Ernest Grace Kihumba, Christopher Patnoe, Chike Nwoffiah, and many more, offered insights on inclusive technology, accessibility, digital storytelling, and entrepreneurship.
Key objectives included promoting product innovation, talent development, and the creation of culturally relevant, African-centered technology solutions. The camp also aimed to connect students with global opportunities while fostering a strong sense of ownership and identity in their technology careers.
Three students from the Faculty of Information Communication Technology, SDD-UBIDS: Bayor Isaac (in the middle of the three), Abdul-Gafur Saeed (on Isaac’s left hand) and Adjei Ebenezer Kru (on Isaac’s right hand) were selected to participate in this year’s mentorship programme aimed at contributing to building their capacity and skills and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in AI and other emerging technologies. This will help bridge the gap between academia and industry and enhancing their employability after their first degree. Engaging directly with industry experts and Google engineers expanded the students’ practical knowledge, improved their problem-solving abilities, and deepened their understanding of real-world technology applications. The collaborative environment also enhanced their communication and teamwork skills, key competencies for future careers in the global technology industry.