The Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of South Africa (UNISA) during the International Conference held on 26th August 2025 at the Southern Sun Hotel in Durban, South Africa.

The two institutions were represented by Prof. Puleng Lenka-Bula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Tafadzwa Mudondo, ATUPA Executive Board Chair.

Dr. Jahou Samba Faal, Secretary-General of ATUPA signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of ATUPA and was witnessed by Mr. Suzgika Mvalo, the ATUPA Vice-Chairperson for the Southern and Central Region. The ceremony was further graced by Hon. Buti Manamela, Minister of Higher Education and Training of South Africa and Prof. Sello Mokwena, Chair of the Local Organising Committee for the jointly hosted ATUPA International Conference.

In this collaboration, the two institutions aim to foster innovation and pivot youth skill sets for Africa’s rapid development and growth.

Speaking on behalf of the ATUPA Executive Board, Dr. Mudondo welcomed UNISA to ATUPA and called for the immediate implementation of the key elements of the MoU. He expressed gratitude to the Minister for gracing the signing ceremony and urged “technical universities and other institutions in South Africa to join ATUPA in advancing this transformative agenda.”

Through this MoU, ATUPA and UNISA intend to strengthen the knowledge base of TVET providers in Africa through engagement in research and development, with a view to positioning TVET institutions as centres of technological capability, innovation, knowledge accumulation, and knowledge transfer.

This initiative will further contribute to the implementation of the African Union's (AU) Continental Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The purpose of this agreement is to define areas for increased collaboration, cooperation, and interaction to further promote education, science, research and innovation.

The parties intend to work together for their mutual benefit in these areas.

UNISA and ATUPA have agreed to advance collaboration in broad areas, including institutional development, capacity building, research and development initiatives.

ATUPA is a Pan-African organization that supports professional and skills development by promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the continent. UNISA, on the other hand, is the largest university system in South Africa by enrollment, attracting a third of all higher education students in the country.

In her welcome address at the opening of the 2025 ATUPA International Conference, Prof. LenkaBula remarked that Unisa is committed to shaping African lives in the service of humanity.

"We believe in the advancement and transformation of Africa. Our commitment to advancing science and education is demonstrated in many ways, including through our international partnerships and engaged scholarship programmes.”

“Through ATUPA, we are able to connect with each other as an integrated sector of post-school education in Africa to unite and look at ways to advance technical and vocational education and training, among other joint priority areas."

In his keynote address, Minister Buti Manamela emphasised that by fostering collaboration among technical universities, polytechnics, TVET colleges, and their industry partners, ATUPA has not only emerged as a critical partner in this transformation, but in addition enables Africa to rethink education not as a siloed system but as an interconnected driver of innovation, employability, and inclusive development.

Mr. Manamela said South Africa remains deeply committed to strengthening and expanding TVET ecosystems. He explained: "Our National Development Plan 2030 recognises that without a skills revolution, the promise of inclusive growth will remain elusive. Over the past decade, we have expanded the TVET college sector, continued to modernise curricula, and launched initiatives to improve lecturer development, occupational qualifications, and workplace-based learning."

Expanding on current projects engaged in by the Higher Education Ministry, Manamela stated: "We are currently working closely with our partners, including ATUPA, the African Union, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, UNESCO-UNEVOC, and international development partners, to align our national TVET system with global and continental standards.    

In today’s world, technology and innovation continue to define the pace of progress. Guided by its strategic objectives, the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) has remained committed to promoting technology, innovation, and the empowerment of youth as catalysts for change. Since 2019, ATUPA has introduced the Youth Forum as a key feature of its Annual International Conferences. The Forum provides a dynamic platform for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among young people. It brings together TVET student representatives from colleges, polytechnics, and universities across Africa, enabling them to share experiences, discuss challenges, and build lasting networks of cooperation.

One of the highlights of the 2025 Youth Forum was the Innovation Exhibition, where a total of 33 groundbreaking projects were showcased. To ensure fairness, judges were carefully selected from institutions not participating in the competition and representing different countries. After a rigorous assessment, the top three winners emerged, reflecting the creativity, ingenuity, and future potential of Africa’s youth innovators.

1. The top winner was Sustainasip team from Mutare Polytechnic, Zimbabwe. The title for their innovation was “Brewing a greener future: Unlocking the synergies between indigenous beverages and Industry 4.0. This team was awarded a prize worth US$4,000. The Sponsor for this prize was Sasini PLC from Kenya, represented by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Martin Ochieng’.

Sustainasip team from Mutare Polytechnic, Zimbabwe receiving their prize

2. The second winner, the INCUB team from Rift Valley National Polytechnic, Kenya. The title of their innovation is “Automatic homemade incubator.” This team received a prize worth US$3,000. The sponsor for this prize was FP & M SETA company from the Republic of South Africa, represented by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Felleng Yende.

INCUB team from Rift Valley National Polytechnic, Kenya

3. The third winner was Current Dimension (Learning Solutions) team from Ekurhuleni West College, South Africa. The title of their innovation was “Current Dimension Learning Solutions, providing both virtual and in-person tutoring tailored for students in grades 7 to 12, with a strong focus on STEM subjects. This team received a prize worth US$2,000; again, FP &M SETA company from South Africa sponsored this prize.

Current Dimension (Learning Solutions) team from Ekurhuleni West College, South Africa.

The judging panel for the innovation awards brought together a distinguished team of experts from across Africa. The panel included Mr. Lukwere Ham Wilson, National Technical Advisor with Enabel in Uganda; Mr. Mamble A. Wanjala, Principal of Kwisero TV College in Kenya; Mr. Edward Mendy, Principal Officer for Science, Technology and Innovation at The Gambia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology; Ms. Mary Maponya, Executive Head at Fundi Capital (Pty) Ltd in South Africa and Mr. Obot Gondwe, Training Specialist at the TEVET Authority in Malawi.

ATUPA extends sincere gratitude to the judges for their dedication and valuable expertise, and to the sponsors for their vision and generosity. We further call upon well-wishers and partners to support this initiative, so that together we can empower more young innovators to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 WFCP World Congress will be hosted by the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA). The Congress will be held at the prestigious Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya from November 23 – 28, 2026.

Why KICC?

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre is not only a landmark venue in Africa but also globally recognized for hosting high-profile international conferences and summits. Its central location in Nairobi, a major hub in Africa, provides easy accessibility for delegates from around the world. Additionally, Nairobi’s vibrant culture and rapidly growing status as a regional leader in innovation and education make it an ideal backdrop for the exchange of ideas and knowledge that the WFCP World Congress fosters.

What to Expect?

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: KICC offers modern, state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate large numbers of participants, ensuring a memorable and impactful event.
• Global Visibility: Hosting the congress at KICC will significantly enhance the visibility of WFCP’s mission and objectives, not just within Africa, but on a global scale.
• Cultural Experience: Nairobi’s vibrant culture and innovation scene will provide a rich and engaging experience for all attendees.

On Thursday, 06 February 2025, the Technological Higher Education South Africa (THENSA) and the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) signed a collaborative agreement that the CEO of THENSA and the Secretary General of ATUPA admitted was long overdue.  THENSA is a representative body for technology-focused higher education institutions in South Africa and Africa. The main objective of THENSA is to promote relevant, impactful, and globally competitive qualifications, skills, research, and innovation in partnership with business, industry, and research institutions, both locally and internationally, to ensure a vibrant economy in Africa.

ATUPA, established in 1978, membership demonstrates a well-integrated Association of 248 institutions, which includes technical universities, polytechnics and technical colleges, focused on sound practical training to adequately prepare its graduates for employment through their impressive profile of engineering, technical and business programmes at degree, diploma and professional levels. Members are spread across four regions within the Eastern, Southern/Central and Western Africa regions.

THENSA and ATUPA will take the necessary steps to encourage and promote cooperation in the following areas:
❑ Technology- and Knowledge transfer
❑ Entrepreneurship development, including entrepreneurial education and innovation.
❑ Student and staff exchanges
❑ Joint Funding Applications
❑ Joint projects in Action and Applied Research & Innovation, including projects that promote collaborative research addressing real-world challenges and foster innovation to support technical education, economic growth, and entrepreneurship.
❑ Curriculum Development focusing on capacity building, joint modules & joint degrees
❑ Research cooperation & exchange
❑ Leading practices in cooperative education and industry collaboration to develop students qualified for the future world of work.
❑ Capacity-building programs include promoting gender equality and empowering women in technical education, employment, and development.
❑ Co-creation in upcoming events, e.g., ATUPA 2025 International Conference, THENSA 2025 Colloquium on Green Energy and WFCP Congress in 2026.

Dr Jahou Faal, Secretary General of ATUPA mentioned that “This is an exciting opportunity not just for our member institutions but also for the entire African education landscape. We are confident that this partnership will lead to significant advancements in technical education and create pathways for future innovation. “ Her words were echoed by Prof Henk de Jager, CEO of THENSA, mentioning that “it is an honour for THENSA to partner with ATUPA, a leader in technical higher and further education in Africa. This partnership, supported by the Board of Directors of THENSA, will allow THENSA to enhance our impact within the continent by addressing social and economic challenges and contributing to a vibrant economy in Africa”.

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