The 2025 International Conference of the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) has officially opened at the Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Towers in Durban, hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA). The five-day gathering, running from 25th to 29th August 2025 is under the theme, “Empowering Africa through TVET: Driving Sustainable Development, Youth Empowerment, and Economic Integration in the Era of Industry 4.0.”
In his welcome address, Professor Sello Mokoena, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, highlighted the importance of Durban as a symbolic site of dialogue. “We gather here not only to share ideas, but to reimagine the role of technical universities and polytechnics as engines of progress. Durban is a city that has witnessed struggle and renewal, and it is the perfect place to ignite conversations about Africa’s educational future,” he remarked.
The highlight of the opening plenary was the keynote address by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of South Africa, Mr. Buti Manamela, who formally declared the conference open. In a compelling address, the Minister described the gathering as a defining moment for Africa’s educational and developmental future. “We cannot continue with business as usual,” he asserted. “Africa’s future will not be shaped in the boardrooms of multinational corporations, but in the classrooms and laboratories of our technical universities and polytechnics.”
He warned that Africa’s youthful population, while a potential asset, could become a liability if not adequately skilled. “Our youth are our greatest wealth. But without relevant education and training, that wealth becomes a burden. We must equip young Africans with the skills, values, and confidence to innovate, to lead, and to transform their societies,” he said.
The Minister went on to situate South Africa’s national strategies within this continental vision. “As South Africa, we are deeply committed to strengthening and expanding our TVET ecosystem. Our National Development Plan (NDP) 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, modernised curricula, and launched initiatives to enhance lecturer development, occupational qualifications, and workplace-based learning,” he explained.
He further underscored the value of partnerships. “We are currently working closely with our partners—including ATUPA, the African Union, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), UNESCO-UNEVOC, and international development partners—to align our national TVET system with global and continental standards. This ensures that our learners are not only competitive in South Africa but are also prepared to thrive across Africa and beyond,” he emphasised.
The Minister called for bold reforms. “Industry 4.0 is already reshaping the world of work. For Africa, this is both a threat and an opportunity. If we remain passive, we will be left behind. But if our institutions embrace digital skills, robotics, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, we will not only participate—we will lead,” he declared to loud applause.
He concluded by calling on delegates to transform their deliberations into concrete actions. “Let us not leave Durban with only resolutions. Let us leave with commitments that can be measured, partnerships that can be tracked, and innovations that can be scaled. The future of Africa rests not in theory, but in practice.” He then formally declared the 2025 ATUPA International Conference open.
Also present at the opening ceremony were several Vice-Chancellors from across the continent, including Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, Vice-Chancellor of TTU and Chair of VCTU-G; Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, Vice-Chancellor of STU; Prof. Ben Quarshie Honyenuga, Vice-Chancellor of HTU; Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh, Vice-Chancellor of KsTU; and Prof. Hamidatu Darimani, Vice-Chancellor of DHLTU, alongside Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, Executive Secretary to the VCTU-G.
Following the keynote, the plenary featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ATUPA and UNISA, moderated by Ms. Siza Magubane. In her remarks, Professor LenkaBula described the MoU as a milestone for the continent. “This agreement is more than ink on paper—it is a pledge to strengthen knowledge, research, and innovation across Africa,” she affirmed. ATUPA’s leadership echoed her sentiment, with Dr. Faal noting, “Partnerships such as this will ensure that our institutions do not stand alone, but together in solidarity and strength.”
The 2025 ATUPA International Conference will continue until 29th August, with plenary sessions, scholarly debates, and technical workshops exploring the intersections of TVET, Industry 4.0, youth empowerment, sustainable development, and economic integration. With more than 300 delegates from over 30 countries in attendance, the conference is expected to generate policy recommendations, research insights, and collaborative frameworks that will reposition Africa’s technical universities and polytechnics as catalysts for transformation.