US-Based NGO Establishes African Headquarters in Nairobi to Bridge Industrial Skills Gap.
By Editorial Team.
Nairobi, October 23, 2025 — Africa’s journey toward industrial transformation has received a major boost following the establishment of GFP International’s African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The United States–based non-governmental organization aims to tackle the continent’s growing shortage of skilled professionals in industrial and manufacturing sectors.
The initiative is led by Eng. Michael J. Vallez, Founder and Executive Director of GFP International and CEO of African Skills and Development Ltd. He will spearhead efforts to build strong local partnerships and accelerate workforce development across the continent.
“Africa is the birthplace of humanity, yet it has not fully participated in the industrial revolution. Our mission is to change that by equipping Africans with world-class technical and industrial skills,” said Eng. Vallez.
The shortage of skilled technicians and tradespeople has become a major concern for governments, industries, and educators. Despite Africa’s rapid economic growth and expanding infrastructure, many projects suffer delays and cost overruns due to a lack of qualified personnel.
To address this, GFP International and African Skills and Development Ltd. plan to establish Welding and Manufacturing Centres of Excellence across Africa. These centers will train skilled professionals in key sectors such as energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, shipbuilding, and power generation.
Through partnerships with global organizations, GFP International will facilitate technology transfer and training programs that strengthen local capacity. The NGO’s approach focuses not only on technical training but also on empowering youth and women with sustainable career opportunities.
“During my lecture tours across ten African countries, I met many university graduates who turned to trade schools after struggling to find jobs. A skilled international welder can earn as much or even more than a medical doctor,” noted Eng. Vallez.
The organization’s programs will give young Africans access to modern equipment, international certifications, and mentorship from global industry experts. By aligning vocational education with industry needs, GFP hopes to prepare the continent’s workforce for the fourth industrial revolution.
To drive this mission, GFP International has launched a $100 million African Welding School and Training Fund to finance world-class training facilities across the continent. The fund invites contributions from international donors, development partners, and private sector stakeholders committed to Africa’s industrial future.
African Skills and Development Ltd., headquartered in Nairobi, will coordinate training programs, partnerships, and certification processes. The company’s strategy supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which emphasize skills development and industrialization.
Nairobi’s position as a regional economic hub makes it a natural choice for GFP’s African base. With its advanced infrastructure, skilled workforce, and proximity to regional markets, the city offers an ideal environment for collaboration with universities, trade schools, and industry players.
GFP International plans to work closely with Kenyan institutions and government agencies to strengthen vocational training systems and create thousands of skilled jobs in the coming decade.
