ZIBO, May 2026 – In a landmark development for international vocational education, Shandong Vocational College of Industry, Mount Kenya University (MKU), and Nanjing Zhongxing Xinyada Information Technology Co. Ltd. have formalized a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding, marking a new chapter in China-Africa educational collaboration.
The signing ceremony, held in the historic city of Zibo, renowned as the ancient capital of the Qi State and a celebrated center of ceramics and glass, brought together distinguished leaders from all three institutions against the backdrop of the city’s vibrant spring season.
In his welcoming address, Chancellor Zhao of Shandong Vocational College of Industry extended warm greetings to the visiting delegation. He noted that in this beautiful and lively season, they gathered together to jointly open a new chapter in the international cooperation and exchange of the college. Chancellor Zhao welcomed Prof. Deogratius JAGANYI, Vice-Chancellor of MKU, and President Zhang Ying, along with other distinguished guests, on behalf of over 16,000 students and staff.
Rooted in Qilu for over six decades, Shandong Vocational College of Industry has long adhered to the motto of being practical and seeking truth, understanding principles and innovating, with deep engagement in intelligent manufacturing, green metallurgy, and next-generation information technology.
Prof. Deogratius JAGANYI, speaking during the MKU delegation’s visit to China, noted that the partnership has grown remarkably since the initial Memorandum of Understanding was signed in September 2024 with Nanjing Zhongxing Xinyada Information Technology Co., Ltd. What started as a partnership of two organizations has fast grown to become a consortium of several organizations within a period of less than two years, he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor confirmed MKU’s commitment to supporting the China-Africa Skills Supermarket project, cloud computing platform construction, staff and student exchanges, and joint promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of the deepening collaboration, Shandong Vocational College of Industry will partner with MKU to offer specialized certification courses in cutting-edge technology fields. The joint program will include certifications in 5G technology, cable fiber and line installation, drone simulation, and able fiber and line installation and maintenance. These industry-aligned courses aim to equip Kenyan and Chinese students with practical, job-ready skills that meet the demands of the rapidly evolving telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors.c
Notably, MKU serves as the United Nations Academic Impact Hub Chair for SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure for the period 2025 to 2030. Prof. JAGANYI emphasized that this partnership aligns perfectly with that mandate, expressing determination to leave no one behind in Africa’s digitalization efforts.
Chancellor Zhao expressed confidence that the tripartite cooperation will create more sparks of inspiration in the internationalization of vocational education, setting a pioneering example for Chinese vocational education’s global engagement. The partnership aims to provide enhanced conditions for students from both China and Kenya, contributing to the prosperity of families across both nations.
