Feature: Chinese-funded tech challenge inspires African youth to pursue excellence

A winner waves at the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

NAIROBI, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- When 23-year-old Victor Njung'e was shortlisted for the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC), Season 10, he thought winning the top prize was little more than a dream.

But through grit and determination, the mechanical engineering student at the Technical University of Kenya outshone hundreds of competitors in the month-long contest, clinching a spot among the top winners in the individual category.

At the grand closing ceremony in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Monday evening, Njung'e basked in the cheers of his peers as he walked to the podium to receive his award.

"I'm a bit lost for words because I wasn't expecting this win. The tech challenge, both theory and practice, was quite grueling, but through determination and teamwork, we made it," he said.

It was his first time competing in the ATC, a program launched in 2014 to sharpen technical and vocational skills among African youth and prepare them for jobs of the future.

Season 10, which ran from July 28 to Aug. 29, brought together 142 teams with 568 participants from 12 African countries. Competitors tested their skills in three categories: mobile application development, mechanical engineering, and computer numerical control (CNC) turning.

Njung'e, who specializes in manufacturing, said he gained new computer-aided design skills while also learning teamwork and building friendships across borders.

Alongside five other winners in the individual category, Njung'e will receive a full scholarship to study in China and deepen his knowledge of mechanical engineering.

"I'm eager to go to China and learn more, hoping to come back as a highly skilled engineer who gets the job done," he said.

For Ghanaian participant Nuseno Alfred, 23, being named among the six winners of the individual category was equally rewarding.

"This training has been wonderful from day one. It was all about precision, broadening my horizons, and giving me experience for the job market," Nuseno said, adding that he honed his skills in CNC turning, machine programming, and technical drawing.

Nuseno hopes to access advanced machinery in China, master their operation, and return home to help drive Ghana's industrial growth.

The event, attended by senior government officials, diplomats, and industry executives, was co-hosted by Chinese firm AVIC Innovation Holding Limited (AVIC INNO), Kenya's Ministry of Education, and the China Education Association for International Exchange.

Julius Ogamba, Kenya's cabinet secretary of education, praised the initiative for equipping African youth with the tools to thrive in the digital age.

"Through ATC, we are ensuring that Africa's youth become a force for driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, pushing boundaries and pursuing excellence," Ogamba said, adding that the program aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which seeks to build a globally competitive, skilled, and innovative workforce.

The ceremony also saw the launch of the ATC 10th Anniversary Overseas Corporate Social Responsibility Report, highlighting the program's role in deepening China-Africa cooperation in vocational training.

Li Qingtang, AVIC's executive vice president, said the corporation has prioritized technical skill development for African youth, in line with its corporate social responsibility ethos.

According to Li, AVIC has built and upgraded 189 vocational institutions across Africa, training more than 20,000 teachers and students annually. Since its inception, the ATC has benefitted 1,933 participants from 14 African countries, awarded monetary prizes to 249 trainees, enabled 30 to study in China, and offered 25 internships and jobs with AVIC INNO.

Zhang Zhizhong, charge d'affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said that vocational and technical training remains a key pillar of Sino-African cooperation.

"China has been working hand in hand with African nations to enhance technical and vocational educational systems," Zhang said, adding that a skilled workforce is key to unlocking the continent's industrial growth.

Zhang Zhizhong, charge d'affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, speaks during the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Li Qingtang, executive vice president of Chinese firm AVIC International, speaks during the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Julius Ogamba, Kenya's cabinet secretary of education, speaks during the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

The top prize winner Victor Njung'e (2nd L) attends the closing ceremony of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) Season 10 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sept. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)