In Durban, South Africa—at the convergence of the 7th Pan African Youth Forum and the prestigious ATUPA Conference—a powerful voice rose with clarity and conviction: that of Mr. Shadrack K. Tonui, Principal of Kericho Township Technical and Vocational College, National Secretary General of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI), and Executive Board Member of the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa.
Hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA) under the theme “Innovate, Lead and Thrive: Empowering Africa’s Youth for Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation,” the forum gathered Africa’s brightest youth leaders and educators from across 19 member states. Against this dynamic backdrop, Mr. Tonui joined ATUPA Secretary General Dr. Jahou Samba Faal in delivering a message that was both profound and practical: Africa’s prosperity lies in the hands of her skilled youth.
Mr. Tonui highlighted that while technical expertise is crucial for Africa’s advancement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is the integration of soft skills—leadership, communication, adaptability, and critical thinking—that will unlock true transformation. He challenged young graduates to go beyond waiting for opportunities and instead harness their skills and creativity to address Africa’s pressing challenges.
The forum featured a vibrant youth innovation competition, with Zimbabwe emerging as champions, Kenya taking second place, and South Africa in third. Yet beyond the accolades, the event underscored a shared vision: that Africa’s youth are not simply participants in the global knowledge economy—they are poised to lead it.
For Mr. Tonui, this engagement was not ceremonial, but a continuation of his mission to advance technical and vocational education as the cornerstone of Africa’s development. Through his leadership at KATTI and ATUPA, he has been at the forefront of forging cross-border collaborations that align education with industry, strengthen human capital, and position Africa as a hub of innovation and productivity.
As the continent navigates the currents of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, leaders like Mr. Tonui are ensuring that Africa’s youth are not left behind but are instead empowered to drive the transformation. His presence at the forum was a reminder of a fundamental truth: when Africa invests in her youth, she invests in her future.
The 7th Pan African Youth Forum will be remembered not just for its deliberations, but for the inspirational call to action delivered by leaders like Shadrack K. Tonui—an educator, reformer, and unwavering advocate for Africa’s next generation.
