Kenya has taken a major step toward positioning itself as a regional hub for advanced aviation training following the launch of a new academic partnership linking African students to one of China’s top aerospace universities.
Harmonics Air Centre, in collaboration with Kenya Aeronautical College (KAC), has formalised a strategic training and research linkage with the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), a globally recognised centre of excellence in aircraft engineering, avionics, space science and advanced aviation technologies.
The initiative comes as Africa’s aviation sector rebounds from the effects of the pandemic and enters a projected period of rapid growth.
Passenger numbers and fleets across the continent are expanding, yet the supply of skilled pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers and aerospace researchers remains insufficient.
Industry projections suggest Africa will require tens of thousands of aviation professionals by the 2040s.
Kenya’s strategic location and strong aviation footprint—anchored by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest hubs—have positioned the country to play a central role in meeting this talent demand.
