Kenyan leaders have praised China for its collaboration with African nations in technical and vocational training, noting that the initiative will play a key role in advancing the continent's industrialization.

Esther Muoria, the principal secretary of the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training, said Africa has the world's youngest population, and equipping them with the right skills will not only shape the continent's future but also influence the global landscape.

She emphasized that Africa has a unique opportunity to empower its youth with skills and innovation to meet the growing global demand for skilled workforce.

Echoing these views, Korir SingOei, the principal secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, stressed that young people are central to the realization of Africa's agenda 2063.

"By investing in them, you are investing in the realization of Africa agenda 2063," he said.

The leaders spoke during the closing and award ceremony of the 10th season of the Africa Tech Challenge or ATC in Nairobi. Established in 2014, ATC is a youth empowerment program designed and sponsored by China's AVIC Innovation Holding Limited.

The initiative trains and tests participants on hands-on technical skills including mechanical drawing, computer-aided design or CAD, mobile app development, and the operation and programming of computer numerical control or CNC machines.

This year's competition brought together 142 teams comprising 568 participants from 12 countries.

"Today we can confidently say that China is a true friend of Africa, because through this collaboration, representatives from 12 African countries have benefited from the training," he said.

"The training has impacted their lives, families, communities and countries. That is what sustainable development means."

Julius Ogamba, the cabinet secretary for education, said through challenges such as CNC turning, African youth are showcasing their potential to drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution by mastering technology, pushing boundaries, and striving for excellence.

"We are here today, to celebrate not just the winners, but also the vision, determination, and the spirit of the African youth that are rising to take their rightful place in the global industrial economy," he said.

He noted that ATC embodies the shared aspirations of Africa's Agenda 2063 — to build a skilled, innovative, and united continent that contributes meaningfully to the global economy.

Muoria said the 10th edition of ATC demonstrates that Africa's youth are being equipped not only with knowledge but also ability to apply their skills with excellence.

Li Qingtang, director of AVIC, said the company has been a witness, participant, and promoter of China-Africa friendship and cooperation.

"Through 15 years of dedicated effort, we have upgraded 189 vocational institutions across Africa, and trained more than 20,000 teachers and students annually, thereby contributing to the continuous improvement of vocational education in Africa," he said.

He emphasized that the spirit of ATC 10 — "Aspiration, Transformation, Collaboration" — will continue to guide the way forward for vocational skills education between China and Africa.

"AVIC will remain committed to its overseas corporate social responsibility, invest deeply in vocational skills education in Africa, and contribute to building a China–Africa community with a shared future in the new era," Li said.