Ethiopian, Chinese institutions sign quadrilateral cooperation agreement on TVET development
133Addis Ababa, February 25, 2025 (FMC) – The Ethiopian Federal Technical and Vocational Training Institute (FTVTI), Xuchang Vocational Technical College (XVTC), Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd., and Henan Lianfei Business Information Consulting Co., Ltd. signed a landmark four-party agreement to establish an overseas school. This initiative implements the cooperative model of “industry-oriented education and integration of industry with education,” enriching the ties between China and Ethiopia in vocational training.
On February 21, 2025, during a meeting hosted by Lianfei Consulting’s General Manager Ma Xu, representatives from XVTC and FTVTI engaged in detailed discussions on the development of the Ethiopia “Caowei School.”
Li Na, Director of the Scientific Research and International Affairs Office at XVTC, addressed the objectives and tasks for 2025. She proposed a “four-in-one” development framework aimed at innovating talent cultivation methods, strengthening collaboration between industry, academia, and research, advancing digital educational transformations, and promoting cultural exchanges to provide a clear path forward for the partnership. She also outlined the annual work plan, which includes sending teachers to Ethiopia in the first half of the year for short-term skill training for FTVTI faculty, students, and local employees of Zhengzhou Nissan’s Ethiopian plant. In the second half, the parties will collaborate on recruiting and educating the initial cohort of diploma-seeking students.
Mebratu Chalitisa, Director of International Relations and Cooperation at FTVTI, shared his optimism about the collaboration and contributed suggestions on refining the talent development plan, reducing student tuition burdens, and constructing a new energy technology training workshop. After thorough discussions, both sides reached an agreement on these key points.
On a technical level, Ma Zhaiaibai, Head of the Automotive Service Center at XVTC, had detailed discussions with Tewodros Kidie, Head of the Automotive Technology Department at FTVTI. Their conversations centered on automotive inspection and maintenance technology as well as training programs for new energy vehicles.
XVTC committed to tailoring its training programs to the specific requirements of Ethiopia while utilizing the existing resources at the institute. Additionally, XVTC welcomed Ethiopian counterparts to China for further learning and training on advanced equipment that is currently unavailable in Ethiopia.
This meeting has paved the way for the establishment of the Ethiopia “Caowei School,” fostering mutual trust and aligning objectives among all parties through constructive dialogue. Moving forward, the involved parties will adhere to principles of joint consultation, collaborative construction, and shared benefits as they work diligently to advance the project.
Their goal is to promote the internationalization of Chinese vocational education, cultivate a greater number of high-quality technical talents with a global perspective for Ethiopia, provide workforce support for Chinese enterprises abroad, achieve mutual success, and further strengthen the friendship between China and Ethiopia.