Africa Tech Challenge panellists welcomes each other. Photo: ATC. Source: UGC
Nairobi is buzzing with excitement as the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) officially launches the 10th edition of the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE).
The ground-breaking event, a joint effort by AVIC Innovation Holding Limited (AVIC INNO), the Kenyan Ministry of Education and the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), brings together 142 teams and 568 participants from 12 African countries.
Which countries are participating
Young talents from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the host country Kenya will compete in cutting-edge fields such as CNC machining, CAD and mechanical drawing as well as mobile app development.
Under the theme "Dream and Invent Your Future," ATC continues to support aspiring innovators to turn their ideas into reality through technical excellence.
Before the intense competition begins, participants will undergo approximately five weeks of rigorous training led by Chinese vocational instructors, utilising advanced software and equipment.
Upon successful completion, they'll receive certificates, and the winning teams will earn highly coveted training opportunities in China for the WorldSkills Competition. Exceptional individuals will also be awarded full scholarships for further studies in China.
ATC Season 10 operates on a powerful threefold vision: Aspiration, Transformation, and Collaboration.
Aspiration embodies the commitment to equip African youth with practical skills, fostering their dreams.
Transformation reflects the goal of nurturing talent to fuel Africa's industrial development, empowering students to evolve into true innovators. Collaboration underscores the long-term vision of China-Africa cooperation in advancing industrialisation across the continent.
To further enhance participants' skills and broaden their perspectives, past ATC seasons have included enriching factory visits, cultural experiences, and youth exchange activities, with similar initiatives planned for this season.
During the official opening ceremony, Mr. John K. Tuwei, Director of TVET-Projects and Partnership, State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training, Ministry of Education, highlighted Kenya's celebration of 15 years of impactful TVET training nationwide.
Why Africa tech challenge is important
Tuwei stressed the critical importance of collaboration with the Chinese government in shaping Kenyan TVET policy and improving the sector across the country.
He further noted that the most significant impact of this initiative is the showcase of innovations that can spur economic growth and industrialisation, not just in Kenya, but across Africa.
David Onyango, a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering Technology student at the Technical University of Kenya, shared his motivation for participating: to learn new things from fellow students across Africa and the organisers.
His sentiments were echoed by Mercy Njoki from Team Kenya, who highlighted that they are taught not only technical skills but also essential life skills and networking.
Andrea Lentaaya, also a student at the Technical University of Kenya, made a clear appeal to the government to prioritise industrialisation and create a conducive environment for manufacturing to combat high unemployment rates.
ATC provides free access to quality vocational training materials via the AVIC Innovation Vocational Education Online Platform, supporting Africa’s journey toward sustainable, demand-driven vocational education systems.
