Africa Tech Challenge kicks off in Nairobi

The Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 has officially has kicked off at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), celebrating a decade of empowering African youth with technical skills through China-Africa vocational collaboration.

Jointly organized by AVIC Innovation Holding Limited (AVICINNO), Kenya’s Ministry of Education, and the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), the event brings together 142 teams and 568 participants from 12 African countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda, and others.

A 10th anniversary cake-cutting ceremony marked the milestone of ATC, a flagship program under the “Future of Africa – China-Africa TVET Cooperation Program.”

Since 2014, the initiative has trained over 1,000 young Africans in practical, industry-relevant skills.

This year’s challenge includes contests in CNC machining, CAD and mechanical design, and mobile app development.

The programme began with five weeks of hands-on training delivered by Chinese vocational instructors using advanced tools and software.

Participants will receive certificates upon completion, with top individuals earning full scholarships to study in China and winning teams securing further training for the WorldSkills Competition.

“We now have over 240 TVET institutions in Kenya, some capable of producing vehicle parts. With strong partnerships, we can power Kenya’s journey toward industrialisation and job creation,” said John K. Tuwei, Director of Projects and Partnerships at the Ministry of Education.

Student participants lauded the experience. “This opportunity teaches us market-ready skills like programming CNC machines, teamwork, and time management,” said Mercy Njoki Mwangi, a TUK mechanical engineering student.

“The urge to learn, innovate, and collaborate with peers from across Africa brought me here” added TUK student David Onyango Otieno.

Final-year student Andrea Lentaya urged more government investment in industrialisation, noting it holds the key to youth employment and skill development.

ATC Season 10 is anchored on the themes of Aspiration, Transformation, and Collaboration—aspiring to inspire youth, transform talent for development, and foster long-term China-Africa cooperation in industrial growth.

Participants also benefit from free digital training via the AVIC Innovation Vocational Education Online Platform, reinforcing the push for sustainable, demand-driven technical education across Africa.