Over 560 young innovators from across Africa began their month-long journey in Nairobi on Monday as the 10th edition of the Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) officially got under way, offering them a stage to sharpen their technical talents and compete for top honours.

The annual event, which has grown into one of the continent’s largest youth-focused technology contests, brings together 142 teams representing 12 African countries.

This year’s programme is running under the joint stewardship of Kenya’s Ministry of Education, Chinese engineering conglomerate AVIC Innovation Holding Limited, and the China Education Association for International Exchange.

The challenge is structured into two phases—an intensive training period running until August 27, followed by a final two-day competition on August 28 and 29.

Participants will vie for recognition in three areas of specialisation: mobile app development, mechanical engineering, and computer numerical control (CNC) turning.

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Esther Mworia, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, described the initiative as a transformative platform that has reshaped the prospects of many African youths.

“This remarkable initiative continues to be a beacon of innovation, skills development, and youth empowerment across Africa,” she said, applauding the long-term support by Chinese institutions in developing Africa’s pool of technically skilled young people.

Now in its 10th year, the ATC has already benefited over 1,300 young individuals across the continent, providing them with access to practical, industry-aligned training in advanced manufacturing processes such as CNC machining and design technologies.

Wang Runlan, president of AVIC INNO Project Engineering Company, observed that the programme has extended its impact far beyond technical education.

“We celebrate more than technical skills; we celebrate resilience and ambition,” he said. He added that this year’s cohort will be “immersing themselves in rigorous learning, pushing boundaries, and discovering their potential.”

Wang also underlined the role of Chinese enterprises in promoting long-term, sustainable growth across Africa by building local capacity and opening up employment and business opportunities.

The top two teams from this year’s edition will be awarded fully funded scholarships to pursue further studies in China, while teams finishing just behind them will receive cash rewards.

Since its inception, the Africa Tech Challenge has grown into a bridge between learning and the labour market, targeting the critical skills gap affecting young people across Africa.

With a decade now behind it, the initiative continues to evolve—but its mission remains unchanged: to prepare the continent’s youth for a future built on skill, innovation, and opportunity.