Chinese-funded tech challenge launched to boost African youth skills

The 10th edition of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC), sponsored by Chinese firm AVIC International, officially commenced on Monday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, reaffirming efforts to equip African youth with practical, market-ready technical skills.

NAIROBI, July 29 (Xinhua) -- The 10th edition of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC), sponsored by Chinese firm AVIC International, officially commenced on Monday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, reaffirming efforts to equip African youth with practical, market-ready technical skills.

Hosted by Kenya's Ministry of Education, AVIC Innovation Holding Limited, and the China Education Association for International Exchange, the initiative features 142 teams comprising 568 participants from 12 African countries.

This year's event includes a month-long training phase from Monday to Aug. 27 before culminating in a two-day competition from Aug. 28 to 29, with participants competing in three categories: mobile application development, mechanical engineering, and computer numerical control turning.

Esther Mworia, principal secretary in Kenya's State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, said the ATC has, over the past decade, offered a platform to reskill African youth, drive innovation, and hasten economic growth.

"This remarkable initiative continues to be a beacon of innovation, skills development, and youth empowerment across Africa," Mworia said, hailing the contribution of Chinese firms in building a critical mass of technically skilled youth on the continent.

According to Mworia, more than 1,300 young Africans have benefited from previous editions of the ATC, gaining hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing techniques, including computer numerical control machining and design technologies.

Wang Runlan, president of AVIC INNO Project Engineering Company, said that the ATC has been instrumental in transforming the livelihoods of African youth by providing technical training, mentorship, and real-world industry exposure.

According to Wang, Chinese enterprises are committed to sustainable development in Africa by nurturing local talent and creating jobs and business opportunities for the youth.

"We celebrate more than technical skills; we celebrate resilience and ambition," Wang said, adding that ATC participants will immerse themselves in rigorous learning, pushing boundaries, and discovering their potential.

The top two winners of this year's ATC will be awarded fully-funded scholarships to pursue further studies in China, while the runners-up will be awarded cash prizes.■