Africa Tech Challenge marks a decade of empowering youth through skills development

The Africa Tech Challenge, a youth empowerment initiative under the corporate social responsibility arm of AVIC Innovation Holding Ltd, has been hailed for its pivotal role in advancing Africa's technical skills development – a key pillar in advancing the continent's industrial and economic growth.

Over the past decade, the challenge has provided African youth with vital technical skills, mainly in the manufacturing and digital sectors.

Speaking during the launch of the 10th edition of the challenge in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Monday, John Tuwei, director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training or TVET-Projects and partnerships at Kenya's Ministry of Education, praised the initiative for equipping the youth with practical, industry-relevant skills, making them more employable.

He added that the initiative has empowered the youth to actively contribute to national economic development through innovative solutions.

Tuwei noted that several TVET institutions in Kenya now have the capacity to manufacture vehicle spare parts, thanks to enhanced training infrastructure supported through Kenya-China cooperation.

Esther Muoria, principal secretary for TVET at the Ministry of Education, lauded the Africa Tech Challenge as an evidence of the long-standing collaboration between China and Africa.

"This event is not only a celebration of skills development but also a powerful testament to how international partnerships can empower the youth to thrive in a modern technology-driven global economy," she said.

"Then 10th season of ATC is a milestone that demonstrates consistency, growth, and resilience in promoting innovation, creativity, and excellence."

Muoria said since inception ATC has directly benefited over 1,300 trainees from across Africa.

These young professionals have received hands-on training in modern manufacturing technologies, such as computer numerical control machining, mechanical engineering computer-aided design (CAD), construction engineering CAD, programmable logic controller technology, and design thinking.

Wang Runlan, the president of AVIC-INNO project engineering company, said ATC has grown into a beacon of opportunity, bridging the gap between education and industry.

"ATC offers not only training-it provides a platform for young minds to shine on global stage," she said. "This season, we celebrate more than technical skills. We celebrate resilience and ambition."

An Yan, deputy secretary general of China Education Association for International Exchange, emphasized the central role of TVET in achieving equitable and sustainable development.

"In Africa, equipping young people with technical skills is critical to promoting employment and aligning workforce capabilities with labor market demands," she said.

"Moreover, it fuels the continent's industrialization and modernization to secure a more advantageous position in the global industrial chain."

Jointly organized by AVIC-INNO, Kenya's Ministry of Education, and the China Education Association for International Exchange, this year's competition features 460 students drawn from 12 African countries.

David Otieno, a fourth year student at the Technical University of Kenya and a participant in this year's challenge, described the competition as a platform to exchange knowledge and ideas with peers from across Africa.

Diomande Allassane from Côte d'Ivoire echoed the sentiments, adding that the competition showcases the immense potential of African youth.

"It's a space to learn from one another, to innovate together, and to show the world what Africa's young people are capable of," he said.

Newton Milimu, who participated in the 5th edition of the challenge in 2018, said the ATC profoundly transformed his professional path.

"Through hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to world industrial standards, I grew from a student into a confident, skilled technician ready for the job market," he said.

Milimu emerged the winner of the 2018 competition and was offered a job by AVIC as an assistant mechanical engineer.

"Thanks to ATC, I now see opportunities where I once saw limitations. I'm better equipped to contribute to the manufacturing sector in Kenya and beyond, and I'm inspired to mentor others the same way I was mentored," he said.