Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo and Judith Phiri in CHANGSHA, China
China is rolling out an extensive technical and practical skills exchange programme involving over 35 African countries.
The initiative focuses on vocational education and training to boost development and alleviate poverty through education, trade and cooperation with the African continent.
Speaking at the China-Africa Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Cooperation event yesterday at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, the Deputy Director General of the Hunan Provincial Department of Education, Mr Liu Jing, announced that funds have been allocated to local international vocational colleges.
He said the funds will facilitate outreach to 35 African governments for the skills exchange programmes, which aim to create a robust network of vocational training.
The event also saw several African nations, including Zimbabwe, signing agreements for mutual cooperation in these skills exchange programmes.
Chairman of the Hunan Businessmen Foundation of Zimbabwe, Mr Li Joe Yong, emphasised plans to send young Zimbabweans to China for skills training.
“In the long run, we intend to also establish such an international vocational training college in Zimbabwe as is the case in Zambia,” he said.
This college will focus on equipping youth with technical skills and supporting self-help projects, ultimately contributing to poverty alleviation.
The initiative has garnered support from international organisations.
Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the UNDP, Ms Anunna Eziakonwa, praised the programme as a vital effort in today’s digital era.
She noted the importance of skills development for Africa’s growing population of over 13.1 million students in need of employment opportunities.
Similarly, UNICEF Representative to China, Ms Amakobe Sande, commended the programme for addressing educational and employment gaps affecting over 72 million youths across Africa.
“We only have 1.2 percent of youths employed in formal jobs as skills remain under-invested in Africa,” she said.
This statistic underscores the urgent need for investment in skills training.
The China-Africa TVET cooperation programme will focus on several key components, including training teachers, establishing regional vocational education centres, and launching digital platforms for collaboration.
Zambia, which has already implemented this cooperation, shared its successes in creating synergies with China during the expo.
Other participating countries included Malawi, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Kenya.
The China-Africa Skills Exchange Programme marks a significant step toward enhancing vocational training across the continent.
It seeks to empower youth and foster economic collaboration between China and Africa, creating a brighter future for many.
