Karnataka’s GTTC to Pioneer Vocational Training Center in Namibia

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, May 13: The Africa India Economic Foundation (AIEF) has proposed establishing a Government Tool & Training Centre (GTTC) in Namibia, using Karnataka’s renowned GTTC as the primary knowledge and technology partner, marking a significant advancement in India-Africa cooperation in technical education.

During discussions with Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, AIEF representatives highlighted how Karnataka’s GTTC model could effectively address Africa’s industrial training requirements. With over five decades of experience and more than 20 centers across Karnataka, GTTC has built a reputation for excellence in training for precision tools, CNC operations, mechatronics, and robotics.

“GTTC has produced over 500,000 skilled professionals, maintains an industry-aligned curriculum, and has established strong connections with manufacturing sectors,” explained Anil Sinde, General Secretary of AIEF. “This expertise can be effectively adapted to meet African workforce development needs.”
The AIEF, established to facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and investment between India and 54 African nations, has received endorsement from the African Union, which welcomed the foundation’s initiatives at the 2020 AU Summit in Addis Ababa.

This proposal follows IIT Madras’ establishment of its first offshore campus in Zanzibar in 2023, reflecting India’s growing commitment to educational partnerships across Africa.

R. Kanchanavelu, Joint Secretary of AIEF, highlighted Namibia’s suitability for this partnership, citing its abundant natural resources including uranium, diamonds, gold, and rare earth minerals. “Namibia is experiencing rapid development in marine industries, energy, agribusiness, logistics, and tourism. Its political stability, English-speaking population, and business-friendly environment make it an ideal partner for this collaboration,” he noted.

According to Dr. YK Dinesh Kumar, Managing Director of GTTC, the partnership offers multiple benefits: “This initiative will create employment opportunities for GTTC graduates throughout Africa, open new markets for Karnataka’s MSMEs, and showcase Karnataka’s vocational training model internationally. We’re essentially advancing Karnataka’s soft power through educational diplomacy.”

Minister Dr. Patil expressed enthusiasm for the proposal and instructed officials to actively pursue further discussions. “This initiative positions Karnataka as a global skilling hub.

GTTC’s expertise in toolmaking and advanced manufacturing is poised to make a worldwide impact,” he stated.

MS Zahed, Associate Member of AIEF, also attended the meeting.

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