The recent visit of the Secretary General of the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) to China marked a significant milestone in strengthening China-Africa cooperation in technical and vocational education. Her participation in the prestigious 2025 China-Africa Economic, Trade, and Cultural Cooperation Forum in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, showcased a shared commitment to fostering mutual growth, innovation, and friendship across continents.

This year's forum, themed "Economic and Trade Prosperity, Cultural Mutual Learning, Win-Win Partnerships, People-to-People Bonds," builds on years of fruitful engagement since 2018. It brought together leaders, educators, and industry experts to explore new avenues for collaboration, covering economic development, cultural exchange, and agricultural science—fueling sustainable partnerships that benefit both China and Africa.

A Platform for Innovation and Cooperation

The forum’s highlight was the China-Africa TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Cooperation Dialogue, which aims to deepen industry-education ties and build a vibrant China-Africa TVET community. This initiative is designed to equip African youth with practical skills aligned with regional industries, ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

Insights from the Visit: Showcasing Excellence in Vocational Education

During her enlightening visit to Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College (YWICC), the Secretary General witnessed firsthand the innovative spirit driving China’s vocational education. Nestled in the bustling international trade hub of Yiwu, YWICC is a shining example of excellence—ranking first nationally in innovation and entrepreneurship for three consecutive years, and boasting a remarkable 12% entrepreneurship rate among its graduates.

YWICC’s pioneering programs include the China’s first Creative Cultural Park dedicated to small commodity design, serving thousands of manufacturing enterprises annually. Its collaborations span over 100 universities worldwide, offering courses in nine languages and welcoming students from 113 countries since 2007. The college’s international entrepreneurship support, including a dedicated Innovation Park, has empowered many graduates to start their own businesses, transforming ideas into thriving enterprises.

A New Chapter: Jinhua University of Vocational Technology

The visit also took her to Jinhua University of Vocational Technology (JVUT), a rising star in China’s vocational education landscape. Established in 2024 through the integration of resources from Jinhua Polytechnic and other key institutions, JVUT embodies China’s commitment to high-quality, innovative vocational training.

With over 22,000 students and 1,800 faculty members, JVUT is a hub of cutting-edge industry-focused education. It has pioneered platforms such as the Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Innovation Park and the Biomedical Engineering Practice Center, aligning closely with regional industries. Its global outlook is equally impressive—partnering with universities in over 50 countries, including the Waikato Institute of Technology in New Zealand, Rwanda’s Musanze International College, and Turkey’s Silk Road College.

This international engagement not only enriches student experiences but also contributes to Africa’s skills development through JVUT’s active participation in China-Africa cooperation initiatives. As a member of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) and the China-Africa TVET Cooperation Consortium, JVUT is at the forefront of shaping the future of vocational education on a global scale.

A Bright Future for China-Africa Vocational Education

The Secretary General’s visit underscores a shared vision: to harness the power of vocational education in creating sustainable development, economic prosperity, and cultural understanding. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and dedicated institutions, China and Africa are building a future where young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive global economy.

Together, these efforts are laying the foundation for a vibrant, mutually beneficial China-Africa vocational education community—driving progress, creating jobs, and fostering enduring friendships across continents.