The Helios School of Excellence has been launched in partnership with the Polytechnic Faculty of the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN) to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the telecommunications sector. The sector requires not only modern infrastructure but also professionals capable of designing, deploying, and evolving these systems. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs.
The Polytechnic Faculty of UNIKIN offers engineering programs in various fields, including civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering. The faculty has 584 students, including 112 female students, and a staff of 35 professors, 55 assistants, and 7 technicians. The faculty's infrastructure includes 19 equipped laboratories, 13 classrooms, and a data center. The partnership with Helios School of Excellence will provide students with hands-on experience through internships, technical visits, and research projects.
The partnership was announced on October 2, 2026, and is expected to enhance the employability of UNIKIN graduates. Maixent Bekangba, Managing Director of Helios Towers, emphasized the importance of investing in local skills to build a sustainable digital future for the Democratic Republic of Congo. The partnership will also provide students with a better understanding of the telecommunications industry and help them acquire technical, digital, and professional skills.
Colard Nkole, a key figure in the partnership, plays a crucial role in liaising between Helios Towers and UNIKIN. As a professor at UNIKIN and initiator of the Helios School of Excellence, Nkole will ensure the successful implementation of the project. The partnership is expected to yield tangible results and provide a model for future collaborations between academia and industry.
The Helios School of Excellence is a significant initiative that brings together the academic and industrial sectors to address the skills gap in the telecommunications sector. The partnership will provide students with a comprehensive education that meets the needs of the industry. Prof. Jean-Marc Beya Kamba, Dean of the Polytechnic Faculty of UNIKIN, emphasized that the School of Excellence will prepare students for the challenges of the professional world.
The partnership between UNIKIN and Helios School of Excellence is a strategic move to address the skills gap in the telecommunications sector. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the development of the sector and the economy of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The partnership will also provide opportunities for students to engage in innovation projects, seminars, and expertise sharing.
The collaboration between UNIKIN and Helios School of Excellence is a model for future partnerships between academia and industry. The initiative demonstrates the commitment of both parties to addressing the skills gap in the telecommunications sector and building a sustainable digital future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key points
- The partnership between UNIKIN and Helios School of Excellence aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs in the telecommunications sector.
