NAIROBI, Kenya, July 28 – The 10th edition of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) has officially launched at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), spotlighting high-demand technical skills in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), mechanical drawing, and mobile application development.
Organizers say the shift reflects a strategic push to align youth training with evolving industry needs in Africa’s manufacturing and digital sectors.
Jointly organized by AVIC Innovation Holding Limited (AVIC INNO), the Ministry of Education, and the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), the five-week challenge aims to equip young Africans with practical, market-ready skills.
A total of 568 participants, grouped into 142 teams, are competing from 12 African countries, including Kenya, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Top-performing teams will secure training opportunities in China to prepare for the WorldSkills Competition, while outstanding individuals will receive scholarships for further study.
“We believe in empowering young people with practical skills to help them realize their dreams and contribute to Africa’s development,” said Wang Runlan, President of AVIC International Project Engineering Company.
An Yan, Deputy Secretary-General of CEAIE, hailed the program’s long-term impact, noting: “This program is a testament to the power of global partnerships in shaping the future of vocational education.”
John Tuwei, Director of TVET–Projects and Partnerships at Kenya’s Ministry of Education, emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding technical training.
“Our collaboration with the Chinese government is central to equipping TVET centers across the country, helping our youth gain the skills they need to thrive in the innovation economy,” he said.
For participants like Mercy Njoki, an engineering student at TUK, the experience is invaluable.
“This challenge gives us a great opportunity to learn and gain hands-on experience in producing solutions and acquiring marketable skills,” she said.
Since its inception in 2014, the Africa Tech Challenge has trained over 1,000 youth across the continent and is credited with playing a key role in nurturing Africa’s next generation of engineering and tech professionals.
