China-Cote d'Ivoire Luban Workshop set to boost cooperation

The Luban Workshop program between China and Cote d'Ivoire is poised to open a new chapter of collaboration, according to representatives from Tianjin University of Technology and the National Polytechnic Institute Felix Houphouet-Boigny.

Late last week, a delegation from the Cote d'Ivoire institute toured the Engineering Training Center and Electron Microscopy Laboratory at TUT to observe the cutting-edge facilities that underpin joint research initiatives.

Moussa Abdoul Kader Diaby, president of INP-HB, emphasized the workshop's role as a cornerstone for advancing practical education and technological innovation across Africa.

Since its 2020 inauguration, the Cote d'Ivoire Luban Workshop—a joint effort between TUT and INP-HB—has trained over 7,000 students from 10 Ivorian universities.

The initiative has become a regional talent hub by offering programs in electrical automation and mechanical engineering aligned with national development priorities.

Diaby noted that 94 percent of workshop graduates secure technical roles, directly supporting the country's industrial modernization.

"This platform accelerates technological transformation while fostering Sino-African ties," he remarked. The project recently passed its 2024 quality evaluation, broadening the path for China-Africa educational cooperation.

Lian Jijian, president of TUT, highlighted plans to expand dual-degree graduate programs, enhance cross-border research partnerships and establish international training bases to amplify the Luban Workshop's impact.

"Our collaboration must evolve to address Africa's industrialization challenges while empowering young talents with globally competitive skills," Lian said.

Two Ivorian graduate students shared their academic journeys during the visit. Tigori Tigori Yves, a second-year industrial engineering student pursuing control science at the School of Electrical Engineering, described how hands-on automation projects have equipped him to tackle infrastructure challenges in West Africa.

His peer, Akroman Emmanuel Cedric Koffi, specializing in mechatronics at the Mechanical Engineering School, emphasized the transformative value of China's applied research ecosystem: "The systematic approach here allows us to bridge textbook theories with real-world industrial solutions."

yangcheng@chinadaily.com.cn