Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) celebrated its tenth anniversary on Monday, September 1, with a grand awards ceremony at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi.
The event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, educators and students from across Africa to honor a decade of youth empowerment through skills training, competition and cultural exchange.
In attendance was Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migosi Ogamba and Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary for Vocational and Technical Training. Also present were Mr. Zhang Zhizhong, Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, Ambassador Lynette Mwende Ndile, Kenya’s Deputy Ambassador to China, senior representatives of the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and executives of AVIC Innovation Holding Limited (AVIC INNO), including Mr. Li Qingtang, Executive Vice President of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and Mr. Zhong Sijun, Executive Vice President of AVIC
Speaking at the ceremony, CS Ogamba commended the Challenge for its impact in shaping the continent’s workforce.
“Africa Tech Challenge is more than a competition. It is a platform that prepares our young people for the future of work by equipping them with practical skills and global exposure. Through ATC, we are building a generation that can transform Africa’s industries,” he said.
His remarks were echoed by Mr. Zhang, who reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in education and innovation.
“ATC is a symbol of China–Africa friendship. It empowers African youth, builds lasting people-to-people connections, and contributes to industrial development. China will continue to support initiatives like ATC that create opportunities and transform lives,” he said.
Season 10, themed “Dream and Invent Your Future,” was the most ambitious edition, featuring 14 teams from 12 African countries, among them Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Gabon, Guinea, Zambia and Senegal. For five weeks, participants underwent training and took part in rigorous competitions hosted at the Technical University of Kenya in disciplines such as CNC Turning, Mechanical Engineering CAD and Mobile Application Development. To expand inclusivity, two additional contests were held online, allowing participants across the continent to take part remotely.
The evening’s highlight was the recognition of winners who excelled in their respective categories. Egypt’s Abdallah Salah Abdallah Mohammed emerged top in Mobile Application Development, Kenya’s Victor Njung’e Kamau won in Mechanical Engineering CAD, while Ghana’s Nusenu Alfred clinched first place in CNC Turning. Each of the winners earned full scholarships to study in China and will participate in WorldSkills training programs, opportunities designed to refine their expertise and prepare them for global industries.
Since its inception in 2014, ATC has grown into one of Africa’s leading technical training and youth empowerment initiatives. Thousands of students have benefitted from hands-on training, internships, scholarships and international study opportunities. Many alumni have also secured jobs in leading companies, while others have ventured into entrepreneurship, creating new enterprises that contribute to Africa’s industrial development.
The program is built on a unique model of ‘training, competition and study in China,’ which organizers say has consistently bridged skills gaps and created a pipeline of technically skilled youth who are both globally competitive and locally relevant.
Over the years, ATC has also strengthened ties between Africa and China, with education and industrial cooperation forming the backbone of the partnership.
Organizers used the tenth anniversary to outline an ambitious vision for the next decade, pledging to expand training opportunities to more African countries, integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and green energy into future competitions, and deepen cross-border collaboration. They noted that the initiative would continue aligning with Africa’s growing demand for skilled workers in industries such as manufacturing, digital technology, and renewable energy.
As the tenth edition concluded, the message from participants, officials and partners was clear: the Africa Tech Challenge is not only a competition but a movement that is shaping the future of the continent. With its focus on technical excellence, innovation and global exposure, ATC has established itself as a platform where Africa’s youth are given the tools to dream, invent and lead.
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