A person welding./ PHOTO ; Pexel
GFP International, a U.S.-based non-governmental organization, has officially opened its African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, in a move aimed at addressing the continent’s shortage of skilled professionals in industrial and manufacturing sectors.
The initiative is led by Engineer Michael J. Vallez, Founder and Executive Director of GFP International and CEO of African Skills and Development Ltd.
He emphasized the organization’s goal of equipping Africans with top-tier technical and industrial skills to enhance their participation in economic growth.
“Africa is the birthplace of humanity, yet it has not fully engaged in the industrial revolution. Our mission is to provide Africans with the skills they need to change that,” said Eng. Vallez.
Despite steady economic growth, Africa’s industrial sector continues to struggle with a widening skills gap.
The shortage of trained technicians has contributed to project delays, higher costs, and limited competitiveness in global markets, particularly in sectors such as energy, mining, agriculture, shipbuilding, and power generation.
To address these challenges, GFP International plans to create Welding and Manufacturing Centres of Excellence across the continent.
These centres will offer hands-on training, internationally recognized certifications, and mentorship programs, with a particular focus on youth and women.
By aligning vocational education with industry demand, the organization aims to prepare a skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of Africa’s evolving industrial economy.
During lecture tours across ten African countries, Eng. Vallez observed that many university graduates turn to trade schools after struggling to find work.
“A skilled international welder can earn as much as or even more than a medical doctor,” he said, highlighting the economic potential of technical skills.
To support these efforts, GFP International has launched a $100 million African Welding School and Training Fund.
The fund will finance modern training facilities and attract contributions from international donors, corporate partners, and development agencies.
African Skills and Development Ltd., headquartered in Nairobi, will coordinate the implementation of training programs, certification processes, and collaborations with universities and technical institutions.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which emphasize industrialization and skills development as drivers of economic growth.
Nairobi, as a regional economic hub with strong infrastructure and a talented workforce, provides an ideal base for GFP’s African operations. Eng.
Vallez noted that the Centres of Excellence will not only enhance Africa’s industrial capacity but also empower individuals to innovate and lead in critical sectors.
Over the next decade, GFP International aims to create thousands of skilled jobs across Africa, linking vocational education directly to market needs and enabling inclusive participation in the fourth industrial revolution.
The opening of the Nairobi headquarters represents a key milestone in the organization’s mission to transform Africa’s workforce and strengthen its industrial potential.
About GFP International
GFP International is an NGO whose mission is to elevate Africa’s construction and industrial workforce to world-class standards.
Operating in Africa since 2005, the organization partners with vocational schools, instructors, governments, and industries to modernize training facilities and programs for thousands of aspiring tradespeople.
Focusing on certified industrial welding, high-voltage electrical, and instrumentation training, GFP International aims to equip skilled professionals for sectors including oil and gas, mining, power generation, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
