China's intl college students' innovation competition comes to Africa

The 2025 China International College Students' Innovation Competition for African division was launched on Wednesday in Kenya, marking the first time Africa is participating in what has become the world's largest innovation event of its kind.

The competition — which will be held on July 25 in Nairobi, Kenya, — invites African students to submit their entries between June 1 and 20, according to the event's organizing committee.

This year's edition in Africa will prioritize projects that address real-world societal needs, particularly in the areas of manufacturing, agriculture, health, energy, and environmental protection, highlighting the role of youth-driven innovation in sustainable development.

The launch opens a new platform for young innovators across Africa to showcase their ideas on a global stage, deepening cross-cultural exchanges, academic collaboration, and entrepreneurship between China and African nations.

In his keynote address, Kabarak University Vice-Chancellor Henry Kiplangat said the inclusion of Africa in the competition not only marks a milestone for the university but also symbolizes a broader commitment to global partnership.

"At Kabarak University, we celebrate this success as a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and collaboration," Kiplangat said. "To the participants, as you continue to collaborate, remember that every algorithm coded and every idea shared carries with it the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future."

He noted that the competition offers more than just a stage for innovative ideas — it builds bridges for mutual understanding, stimulates critical thinking, and encourages practical problem-solving.

"Innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers of economic growth," he said. "Let us keep working together to dismantle the barriers of class and geography, forging a world where talent and opportunity know no bounds."

Xu Qing, an official in the Education Department of Jiangsu province, China, said the competition has become a catalyst for global cooperation among young innovators.

"Over the past few years, the competition has attracted more than 130,000 international students from more than 150 countries and regions, involving more than 40,000 projects," Xu said. "It has become the biggest innovation competition in the world of such a kind."

He encouraged African youth to focus on shared global challenges — including climate change, food security, and public health — and to contribute to sustainable development through creative and entrepreneurial solutions.

"I sincerely hope the African youths make use of the competition for mutual understanding, learning, inspiration and progress, and promote Sino-Africa cooperation in various areas," he said.

Zhu Yan, vice-president of Nanjing Agricultural University, the main organizer of this year's event, said her institution has been working with Kenya for over three decades to improve food security and advance agricultural development in Africa.

"The significance of the innovation competition lies in establishing a platform that transcends geography, culture and language, linking youths with innovation to confront common challenges of humankind," Zhu said.

The 2025 China International College Students' Innovation Competition, hosted by the Chinese government including the Ministry of Education, will have its final competition in Zhengzhou, capital of China's Henan province, in September.

sharon@chinadailyafrica.com