Students urged to align technical skills with industry demands

Education stakeholders are raising concerns over the mismatch between acquired skills and market demands, slow absorption of graduates into industry, and inadequate post-training support.

Speaking during the 10th edition of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) has officially kicked off at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria, said majority of institutions graduates students without hand on skills for the labour market.

The PS noted that is through this that the government has partnered with industries opening a new chapter in the continent’s efforts to equip youth with technical and digital skills

“This is more than just machines and measurements; it’s about making history and unleashing the potential of Africa’s youth. But we must also ensure these talents don’t fade out after the competitions,” said Muoria in a statement read on her behalf by John Tuwei, Director TVETs- Projects and Partnership TVET.

While ATC has trained over 1,300 youth since 2014 many of whom have gone on to secure leadership roles in tech and engineering some alumni have struggled to transition their skills into sustainable employment due to limited industrial linkages and follow-up investment in local manufacturing ecosystems.

“This is more than a competition; it’s a continental classroom and a bridge to a better tomorrow. We see this as groundwork for future engineers and entrepreneurs,” said Mr. Zhao Leilei, AVIC’s TVET Project Manager.

Despite this vision, previous seasons have highlighted systemic gaps. Equipment donated to institutions has sometimes gone underutilized due to lack of trained instructors, maintenance support, or curriculum alignment.

“Our collaboration with the Chinese government is central to equipping TVET centers across the country. But now we must also ensure our graduates are absorbed into a growing and inclusive industrial economy,” said John Tuwei, Director of TVET–Projects and Partnerships at Kenya’s Ministry of Education.

Organizers say this year’s edition is taking a more strategic turn by aligning training modules with current and emerging needs in Africa’s manufacturing and digital sectors.

“We believe in empowering young people with practical skills to help them realize their dreams,” said Wang Runlan, President of AVIC International Project Engineering Company.

One of the standout features of ATC@10 is its stronger emphasis on mobile app development and digital innovation a response to growing demand for ICT competencies. Still, questions linger over whether national policies are doing enough to integrate such skills into long-term industrial strategies.

An Yan, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), praised the initiative’s broader impact.

“This program is a testament to the power of global partnerships in shaping the future of vocational education,” she said.

Mercy Njoki from TUK say the experience remains life-changing that will shape her future labour market.

“This challenge gives us an incredible opportunity to learn, apply our skills, and produce real-world solutions,” she said.

The Africa Tech Challenge celebrates a decade of progress, will last for five weeks of intense training into lifelong careers in Africa’s still-evolving industrial ecosystem, which will turn into sustainable innovation, employment, and industrial transformation.

Top-performing teams will win training opportunities in China and scholarships to prepare for the WorldSkills Competition.

Launched under the theme “Dream and Invent Your Future,” the 2024 edition brings together elite Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students from 12 African countries to compete in CNC machining, mechanical drawing, CAD design, and mobile app development. A total of 142 teams comprising 568 participants are competing in a five-week skills showcase that will culminate in a grand finale on August 24.