Forty-nine African students have emerged as winners of the eighth season of the Africa Technology Challenge (ATC), a contest sponsored by AVIC International, a Chinese company. The ATC season, which began in July, saw 83 teams comprising 332 participants from various African countries training in CNC lathe machining, mechanical drawings, and CAD software application.
The awarding event, graced by Kenya’s deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, commended AVIC International for its role in enhancing the technical skills of students pursuing technical courses in Kenya. Gachagua believes that the skills acquired by the students will help reduce the level of unemployment and poverty in the country by encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth.
The ATC is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) youth empowerment project launched by AVIC International in 2014. Over the years, the competition has benefited a total of 1,292 participants from ten African countries. Gachagua praised the competition for its emphasis on youth-driven information communication technology (ICT), which supports industries leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and other technologies to enhance Kenya’s productivity and competitiveness.
Esther Muoria, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education, and Training (TVET) in the Ministry of Education, highlighted the importance of the contest as a tool for showcasing the outcomes of a good TVET system. Muoria stated that the competition raises awareness and informs Kenyans about the diverse opportunities that stem from skills development.
Xu Fei, the Vice President of AVIC International Project Engineering Company, noted that the ATC has significantly impacted the knowledge and skills of African students. They are now proficient in designing and manufacturing mechanical parts needed for various industrial processes. Xu expressed AVIC’s commitment to sharing its expertise in cultivating technical skills with Africa.
The Africa Technology Challenge Season 8 has undoubtedly provided a platform for African students to enhance their technical skills and boost their future job prospects. It is a testament to the collaborative efforts between AVIC International and the participating countries, fostering innovation and driving economic growth in Africa.
