Dire Dawa Polytechnic College students have been recognized nationally for their invention of a small stone crusher machine. This innovation highlights the role of technology innovation and transfer in driving socioeconomic growth, particularly in African countries striving for development and prosperity.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has emerged as a key strategy for promoting the scalability and sustainability of such innovations. One of the ways TVET institutions encourage technology innovation and transfer is through skill competitions that enhance student skills.

Dire Dawa Polytechnic College, RFTI’s students receiving winners’ award

Dire Dawa Polytechnic College has received a national award, surpassing Bahirdar and Tegbreid Polytechnic Colleges, for their student-designed small stone crusher machine. This machine is used for the production of construction inputs like terrazzo and is capable of recycling waste materials. It can crush various materials including Granite, Gypsum, Quartz, Lime-stone, Marble, Basalt, and Barite.

By Mesay Tilahun, EASTRIP Project M and E Specialist at Dire Dawa Polytechnic College