The Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) season 10, was launched today at the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K). The challenge, under the theme, "Dream and Invent Your Future", is a continental competition that aims to empower Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students by fostering innovation and skills development.
Twelve African countries, including; Kenya, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are represented in the competition which has attracted 56 participants. It will focus on CNC turning, Mechanical Drawing Engineering, CAD design, and Mobile Application Development.
Guests present during the launch included; the Director of TVET-Projects and Partnership, State Department for TVET, Ministry of Education, Mr. John K. Tuwei (Representing PS), TU-K’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Institutional Advancement and Enterprise (IAE), Prof. Paul Wambua, his counterpart in charge of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), Prof. Maurice Amutabi, President of AVIC INNO Project Engineering Company, Ms. Wang Runlan, and Deputy General Manager of TVET Department of AVIC INNO Project Engineering Company.
The Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Benedict Mutua, noted that TU-K treasures long- standing collaboration with AVIC. In a speech read on his behalf by Prof. Wambua, the VC assured participants that TU-K as the hosting institution, will meet every aspect of their objectives, considerations, devotion and aspirations.
“It is also my sincere hope, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, that your interaction and experience throughout the ATC period, will endear you to the TU-K and leave you with great memories that will last forever.”
Prof. Mutua explained that TU-K continues to provide leadership in TVET at the apex of technical and vocational education and training adding that the mission of the University is deeply aligned with the vision of ATC.
“Hence, we are here to collaborate in empowering, training, shaping the future of African industry and commit to; advance practical, innovative and future-ready engineering education; supporting research that addresses African realities; and creating a platform where skills meet opportunity, and talent meets technology. ”
The VC described today's launch as a testament to the immense potential that young people possess when given the right tools, platforms, and mentorship. He observed that technology was not only a driver of economic transformation, but also a bridge to inclusive and sustainable development.
“This challenge therefore represents more than a competition; it is a movement to empower, to inspire, and to ignite a generation of African innovators.”
Deputy Secretary–General of China Education Association for International Exchange, Ms. An Yan, who addressed the event virtually, noted that in Africa, equipping young people with technical skills is critical to achieving fuller employment by aligning workforce abilities with labour market demands.
She added that the move fuels the continent’s industrialisation and modernisation, to secure a more advantageous position in the global industrial chain.
“When it comes to China, we have been long committed to advancing high-quality and accessible education for all, with a focus on building a modern TVET system closely integrated with industry needs and regional development.”
She elaborated that the Africa Tech Challenge was set to offer African youth a platform to improve and showcase their technical skills, by bridging vocational education and industrial demands. It will also facilitate vocational education exchanges between China and Africa.
She noted that over the past decade, ATC had grown into a beacon of opportunity, bridging the gap between education and industry
The President of AVIC INNO Project Engineering Company, Ms. Wang Runlan, said AVIC INNO’s commitment to Africa spans decades, rooted in the mission to support sustainable development.
“We take pride in our contributions—whether through community projects, infrastructure development, or fostering local talent. ATC embodies this legacy, offering not just training but a platform for young minds to shine on the global stage.”
She explained that AVIC INNO celebrates more than technical skills but resilience and ambition. “For the next month, these participants will immerse themselves in rigorous learning, pushing boundaries and discovering their potentials. Let us remember that their journey is not merely about competition—it is about growth, collaboration, and the courage to dream big.”
Since its inception 10 years ago, the initiative has benefited 1,300 participants from 13 African countries. It focuses the shape of a training programme and a competition, with the most outstanding participants receiving fully-funded scholarships to prestigious Chinese universities, technical equipment, and national recognition. The winners will also be awarded internship and job opportunities as well as cash rewards.
The four-week programme will involve expert-led training and high-stakes contest.
The Africa Deep Tech Challenge 2025, also a Pan-African hackathon, focuses on resource-constrained computing solutions. This challenge encourages participants to develop innovative solutions that address real-world problems using limited resources. The deadline for initial submissions is July 31st, 2025
All participants will receive certificates to show their participation and to highlight the skills they will have learnt during the session.
Africa Tech Challenge is a significant economic development driver since it drives solutions to challenges in the national economy that need interdisciplinary use of science and technology.
AVIC International has operated in Kenya for over 20 years, where it now has various projects in infrastructure, construction, contracting, real estate and many CSR operations in vocational education
