US-Based NGO Sets Up African Headquarters in Nairobi to Boost Industrial Skills Training
Nairobi, October 23, 2025 — In a major boost to Africa’s industrial transformation agenda, GFP International, a United States–based non-governmental organization, has officially opened its African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The move aims to tackle the continent’s growing shortage of skilled professionals in the 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., who emphasized the organization’s mission to empower Africans through world-class technical training.
“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.
Africa’s industrial sector continues to face a widening skills gap despite sustained economic growth and infrastructure expansion. The lack of skilled technicians has led to project delays, cost overruns, and limited competitiveness in global markets. To address this, GFP International plans to establish Welding and Manufacturing Centres of Excellence across Africa to produce highly skilled professionals for industries such as energy, mining, agriculture, shipbuilding, and power generation.
The NGO’s programs will provide youth and women with internationally recognized certifications, hands-on training, and mentorship opportunities. By linking vocational education with market demand, GFP International hopes to prepare Africa’s workforce for participation in the fourth industrial revolution.
“During my lecture tours across ten African countries, I met many university graduates who turned to trade schools after struggling to find employment. A skilled international welder can earn as much as, or even more than, a medical doctor,” Eng. Vallez noted.
To finance these efforts, GFP International has launched a $100 million African Welding School and Training Fund aimed at establishing modern training facilities across the continent. The fund seeks contributions from international donors, corporate partners, and development agencies.
African Skills and Development Ltd., based in Nairobi, will coordinate the implementation of training programs, certification processes, and partnerships. The organization’s agenda aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which highlight industrialization and skills development as key growth pillars.
Nairobi’s position as a regional economic hub, coupled with its advanced infrastructure and talent base, makes it an ideal location for GFP’s African operations. The organization plans to collaborate with government agencies, universities, and technical institutions to strengthen vocational education and create thousands of skilled jobs across Africa in the next decade.
