Twenty-five African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) students from eight African countries received their certificates for completing the AIMS ESMT Industry Immersion Program (IIP) on Dec. 1.
“Through your internships you prove your value to African industry,” said Nick Barniville, ESMT Berlin Associate Dean of Programs. He added that visiting ESMT faculty had found it to be a fantastic and wonderfully enriching experience.
AIMS Master’s graduates from across Africa participated in this 20-week residential business and employability skills program. The core of the program was a 12-week internship module with industry partners from across Africa where students apply their knowledge in a business.
“We appreciate the investment the partner companies are making for the future of Africa,” said Prof. Wulffe Plinke, Founding Dean of ESMT Berlin. Plinke praised the graduates as they start a new chapter in their lives.
“The focus on skills development is very important to Siemens because we need talent in Africa that can execute,” said Clifford Klaas, Executive Director of Siemens Africa. “I like what I have seen.” Klaas thanked AIMS and ESMT for giving Siemens the opportunity.
Micheal Kloss, Managing Director, Bosch South Africa, said that he had been very happy with the two interns that were placed at Bosch noting their ability to match knowledge to solve problems.
The IIP debuted at AIMS South Africa in July in partnership with ESMT Berlin and the Southern African German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and with funding support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ) through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). In addition, Stellenbosch University, led a series of leadership seminars featuring topics of active citizenship, social responsibility, skills development and start-ups.
The business partners also included BBraun, Evonik, Hatch, and Khonology in South Africa. In Cameroon the partners were the Cameroon Development Company, ENEO and Kouaba Consulting and in Ghana the CAL Bank and the Ghana Energy Commission participated. Kenya and Senegal were represented by Superfluid Labs and Obertys, respectively.
