Jin Yetao (L), TVET Director, AVIC International, Kevit Desai (C), Principal Secretary, Ministry of Aducation's State Department of TVT and Lynette Mwende (R), AVIC Representative, hold up their hands to signify the launch of the Africa Tech Challenge, Season 5 in Nairobi on July 26, 2018.(Xinhua/Charles Onyango)

NAIROBI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The fifth edition of Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) funded by Chinese firm AVIC International was launched on Thursday in Nairobi to boost technical skills upgrade among the youth.

Kevit Desai, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET), said the launch of China funded competition to advance technical skills among the youth lies at the heart of Kenya's industrialization agenda.

"We are embarking on a journey with like-minded partners like AVIC International to transform technical and vocational training, boost youth empowerment through self-employment and entrepreneurship," said Desai.

"This year's Africa Tech Challenge will provide youth with practical skills that are required in the 21st century job market," he added.

Desai said that Kenya has developed a robust policy and regulatory framework to facilitate involvement of industry in development of skills that are required to achieve the Big Four Agenda on manufacturing.

"We value linkages between the public sector and industry to build the capacity of mid-level technicians whose role is crucial to achieve some of the key Big Four agenda items like manufacturing, affordable housing and food security," Desai remarked.

The fifth edition of Africa Tech Challenge aims to provide youth in five African countries including Kenya, Gabon, Ghana, Zambia and Ivory Coast with advanced training in computerized numerical machine techniques and mechatronics engineering.

It is expected that 108 African youth from 27 teams will benefit from the 45 days training that will be held in one of Kenya's leading technical training institution.

The two top winners of Season 5 of Africa Tech Challenge will be awarded a manufacturing contract worth some 100,000 U.S. dollars by AVIC International while the three most outstanding participants will be receive scholarships to pursue a post graduate degree in engineering related field in China.

Jin Yetao, the TVET Director from AVIC International Holding Corporation in Kenya said that improving the technical skills of African youth will revitalize the continent's industrial growth agenda.

"We believe that capacity building and technical training targeting African youth is key to drive the industrialization agenda in the continent," Jin said.