BENGALURU: In a pivotal move to enhance India-Africa collaboration in vocational training, the Africa India Economic Foundation (AIEF) has proposed the establishment of a Government Tool and Training Centre (GTTC) in Namibia, with Karnataka’s GTTC serving as the knowledge and technology partner, officials announced on Monday.
During a recent meeting with Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Sharan Prakash Patil, AIEF representatives emphasized the GTTC’s potential to serve as a robust model for addressing Africa’s industrial training needs.
The GTTC, a state-run institution with a legacy spanning over five decades, operates more than 20 centers across Karnataka, training thousands of individuals in precision tooling, CNC operations, mechatronics, and robotics.
“GTTC boasts a strong alumni network of over 500,000 skilled professionals, a curriculum that aligns with real-time industrial demands, and well-established industry connections,” stated Anil Sinde, General Secretary of AIEF. “Our operational expertise can be seamlessly adapted to meet the unique contexts of African nations.”
The AIEF was established to promote the strategic integration of knowledge, technology, trade, and investment between India and 54 African countries. Its initiatives have received endorsement from the African Union, which welcomed the foundation’s proposals during the AU Summit 2020 in Addis Ababa.
In line with this vision, IIT Madras inaugurated an offshore campus in Zanzibar in 2023, marking the first such initiative by an Indian Institute of Technology.
“This underscores India’s commitment to fostering long-term collaboration in education and skill development across Africa,” Sinde added.
R. Kanchanavelu, Joint Secretary of the AIEF, highlighted Namibia’s immense potential as a strategic partner, pointing to its abundant natural resources, which include uranium, diamonds, gold, and rare earth minerals.
“Namibia is rapidly advancing in various sectors, such as marine industries, energy, agribusiness, logistics, and tourism. Its political stability, English-speaking population, and business-friendly environment make it an ideal candidate for collaboration,” he remarked.
Y.K. Dinesh Kumar, Managing Director of GTTC, emphasized that this partnership would not only create employment opportunities for GTTC alumni across Africa but also open new markets for Karnataka-based MSMEs, showcasing Karnataka’s innovative skilling model on a global stage.
“This initiative transcends mere training; it aims to enhance Karnataka’s soft power through educational diplomacy,” he stated.
In response to the proposal, Minister Patil urged officials to actively engage in further discussions.
“This initiative positions Karnataka as a global hub for skill development. GTTC’s expertise in toolmaking and advanced manufacturing is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage,” he concluded.
