Kombolcha Polytechnic College is undergoing a transformation with the construction of the state-of-the art infrastructure. With funding from the World Bank and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the college is reimagining its training environment through strategic investments in infrastructure and equipment aimed at modernising technical education and promoting regional integration.

Central to this transformation is the ongoing construction of the College’s Regional Centre of Excellence in Automotive Technology, which has now reached 61% completion. Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the college has achieved 100% procurement of vital workshop and laboratory equipment, including advanced automotive teaching tools. Installation of these tools is currently underway, setting the stage for enriched hands-on learning experiences.

“This investment is a game-changer for both our students and staff,” said Yilekal Getie Tesfaye, the Project Coordinator for EASTRIP at the college. “With state-of-the-art training equipment and modern infrastructure, we are well-positioned to produce graduates who are industry-ready and capable of contributing to regional development,” he said.

The Centre of Excellence, once completed, will serve as a flagship facility for specialised training, research, and innovation in automotive and related technologies. It is expected to play a pivotal role in improving the quality of training, supporting the production of highly skilled technicians, and fostering cross-border collaboration among educational institutions in East Africa.

The EASTRIP initiative, funded by the World Bank and implemented in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, aims to enhance the capacity of selected Regional Flagship TVET Institutes (RFTIs) to deliver quality training in priority sectors.

Kombolcha Polytechnic College’s achievements reflect the broader goals of the project—closing the skills gap, boosting employability, and accelerating regional economic growth through enhanced technical education.

As the final touches are put on the installation of the procured equipment, the college is preparing to roll out upgraded practical training sessions that will elevate both teaching standards and student outcomes.

With continued progress on construction and the deployment of new technology, Kombolcha Polytechnic College is fast becoming a model of excellence in technical and vocational education across the region.

By Assen Bushira, M&E Specialist, Kombolcha Polytechnic College