UNITEL announced UNITEL Labs on Thursday, a state-of-the-art technology innovation centre that will transform Angola’s digital ecosystem. This launch heralds a new era of possibilities for tech lovers, businesspeople, and scholars keen to advance innovation in the nation.
UNITEL Labs aims to be a thriving hub where concepts are turned into practical solutions, advancing Angola’s technological aspirations.
UNITEL Labs: Empowering innovation and skills development
A dynamic platform intended to cultivate talent and empower innovators, UNITEL Labs is more than just a physical space. The centre provides free workshops, training sessions, and hands-on activities for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
UNITEL describes the facility as “the largest Technology Center in our history,” reflecting its commitment to fostering research, creativity, and technological advancement.
During the launch, UNITEL highlighted the laboratory’s support for numerous university initiatives, particularly those in the education and healthcare sectors. These pilot initiatives illustrate the lab’s ability to transform ideas into practical solutions that address real-world challenges.
UNITEL Labs facilitates the transition from academic knowledge to market-ready innovations by offering access to cutting-edge tools and expert mentorship.The hub also focuses on digital literacy and entrepreneurship, encouraging young Angolans to explore careers in technology.
UNITEL’s CEO, Tony Dolton, emphasized the importance of building a skilled workforce to sustain Angola’s growing digital economy. “We want to create an environment where creativity thrives, and young talents can develop skills that meet the demands of tomorrow’s job market,” he said.
Strengthening Angola’s digital infrastructure and connectivity
The launch of UNITEL Labs is part of a broader strategy to enhance Angola’s digital infrastructure. UNITEL has invested heavily in expanding its metropolitan fiber network and LTE coverage across Luanda, with plans to achieve full LTE coverage by the end of 2025. This expanded connectivity is essential for supporting the new wave of digital services and innovations emerging from the lab.
Moreover, UNITEL is leveraging the Angola-Brazil South Atlantic Cable System (SACS), a submarine cable connecting Angola to Brazil and the United States.
This link significantly improves Angola’s international internet bandwidth, facilitating faster and more reliable connections. Dolton noted, “The SACS cable positions Angola as a key ICT hub in the region, enabling us to offer world-class connectivity to our customers.”
UNITEL’s focus extends beyond consumer internet services to include oil, banking, and finance sectors. The company aims to provide robust ICT solutions that support these industries’ complex needs, contributing to economic diversification and growth.
The innovation hub complements these efforts by fostering homegrown tech solutions tailored to local challenges.
UNITEL Labs stands as a beacon of progress, reflecting Angola’s commitment to embracing technology as a social and economic development driver.
UNITEL is kick starting digital change in Angola with infrastructure investments, talent development, and innovation support. This project welcomes innovators, entrepreneurs, and the community to establish a tech-savvy nation ready for global competition.