How the ATC 10th Edition Awarding Ceremony Went Down at JW Marriott (Photos)

The 10th edition of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) concluded on September 1, with a grand awarding ceremony held at JW Marriott, Nairobi.

 The event was graced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, who presided over the celebrations that recognized a decade of impact in empowering African youth with cutting-edge technical and digital skills.

Organized by AVIC International in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), the ATC 10th edition concluded on Friday, August 29, after an intensive seven-week program that trained participants in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, digital manufacturing, and emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and automation.

The graduation and awarding ceremony was vibrant, bringing together government officials, stakeholders in the education and technology sectors, and special guests, including popular Kenyan entertainers Jacky Vike (Awinja) and comedian Njugush, who added glamour to the occasion.

Scholarships and Awards

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the announcement that six outstanding participants will receive fully funded scholarships for a three-year study visit to China, offering them global exposure and advanced training opportunities. In addition, certificates and trophies were awarded to all participants and winners in recognition of their achievements.

“This year, 12 African countries were participating, with 52 participants who have been awarded today,” said CS Ogamba in his address.

“AVIC International is one of our partners who provides us with many equipment, and because of that partnership, we are seeing a lot of progress in our student learning and training. Those who have won will be going to China for further training. It is a partnership that we want to continue as government because TVETs in this country are at the heart of industrialization.”

The CS emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key driver of job creation and industrial growth, assuring the graduates that their skills were vital for Kenya’s future.

International Partnerships and Opportunities

Du Juan, Vice President of AVIC International, reaffirmed the importance of the initiative, describing the competition as “a launch pad for a new life” and stressing the need to strengthen international partnerships in fields such as aerospace, automotive, and smart manufacturing.

Stakeholders praised China’s unwavering support for ATC and expressed optimism about deepening collaborations with other global players, including Germany, Canada, and Australia. The competition, established as part of AVIC’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, has become more than just a contest—it is a career-defining platform connecting young people with industry opportunities while enhancing the role of TVET institutions.

“Technology is our world, our food, and the water we drink every day,” one university representative noted, echoing the transformative mindset that the challenge instills among students.

About Africa Tech Challenge

Launched in 2014, the Africa Tech Challenge has grown into a flagship skills development program across the continent.

For the past decade, it has trained hundreds of students from different African nations in areas such as CNC machining, mechanical engineering, and digital technologies.

By integrating competency-based education and training (CBET) with real-world, hands-on experiences, ATC continues to bridge the gap between education and industry while equipping young people with future-ready skills

The 10th edition’s successful conclusion at JW Marriott underscored its legacy of excellence and its enduring mission: to prepare African youth for the global digital economy.