Karnataka’s GTTC to Power Namibia with India’s First Government Skilling Partnership in Africa

Bengaluru Express
Bangalore, July 20
L: In a landmark step for India-Africa cooperation, Namibia has selected Karnataka’s state-run Government Tool & Training Centre (GTTC) as its technical knowledge and vocational training partner.
With plans for a dedicated GTTC unit to be set up there—potentially the first Indian government knowledge agency on African soil.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalizing the collaboration was recently signed by Dr. YK Dinesh Kumar of GTTC and Anil Shinde, General Secretary of the Africa India Economic Foundation (AIEF), in the presence of Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil, minister for medical education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and livelihood, at Vikasa Soudha.

With a five-decade legacy, GTTC operates over 20 centers across Karnataka, training thousands each year in precision toolmaking, CNC operations, mechatronics, and robotics. Its alumni network exceeds five lakh skilled professionals, and its curriculum is closely aligned to current industry needs.

Minister Dr. Patil described GTTC as a robust model for Africa’s industrial skilling needs, highlighting its potential for “seamless adaptation to African contexts.” The partnership is expected not only to build skilled talent in Namibia but also to create new employment avenues for GTTC graduates across Africa, open additional markets for Karnataka-based MSMEs, and boost Karnataka’s global reputation in education and skilling. “This is about empowering Karnataka’s soft power through education diplomacy,” the minister remarked.

The AIEF, established to foster knowledge, technology and investment collaboration between India and 54 African nations, has received endorsements from the African Union, which formally welcomed its initiatives at the AU Summit 2020 in Addis Ababa.

AIEF officials underscored Namibia’s appeal for such a partnership, citing its rich natural resources—including uranium, diamonds, gold, and rare earth minerals—as well as its rapid development in marine, energy, agribusiness, logistics, and tourism sectors. The country’s political stability, English-speaking population, and business-friendly environment make it an excellent location for implementing an Indian skilling model.

Dr. YK Dinesh Kumar, managing director of GTTC, remarked that this initiative positions Karnataka as a global leader in skill development. “GTTC’s expertise in toolmaking and advanced manufacturing will now have a global impact,” he said

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