MSTU "STANKIN" Alumnus Louis Gouend at "Metalworking-2026": A Bridge for Technology Transfer and Business Development Between Russia and Africa
Moscow, Crocus Expo. Within the framework of the international exhibition "Metalworking-2026" (Metalloobrabotka-2026)—Russia's largest exhibition project in the field of machine tool building and metalworking, held with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation—Moscow State Technological University "STANKIN" (MSTU "STANKIN") organized a series of key business events. One of the highlights was the panel discussion "STANKIN: Engineering Cadres for Partner Countries," which featured Louis Gouend, an outstanding university alumnus and President of the African Business Club.
The "Metalworking-2026" exhibition brought together over 1,200 companies from 11 Russian regions and foreign partner countries, including India, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, Belarus, Turkey, and others. MSTU "STANKIN" showcased the Head Competence Center of the Machine Tool Industry at its stand—a structure designed to centralize the industry's scientific potential and cutting-edge developments.
Engineering Education as a Key to Africa's Technological Sovereignty
Louis Gouend spoke at the discussion upon invitation from the university’s International Cooperation Department. In his speech, he emphasized that his participation in an exhibition of this scale is not only a tribute to his alma mater but also a strategic step towards bringing the industrial sectors of Russia and African countries closer together.
"I accepted the invitation from MSTU 'STANKIN' with a special feeling. It is gratifying to know that among the alumni of my university are such prominent statesmen as the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. This sets a very high bar of responsibility," noted Louis Gouend.
The main thesis of his presentation was the critical need for Africa to transition from raw material exports to creating value-added chains through the deep processing of resources directly on the continent. According to the expert, participation in such exhibitions opens up new opportunities for the direct transfer of Russian technologies to the African market.
From Training Cadres to Business Expansion
Louis Gouend focused on the fact that training African engineers at "STANKIN" is the first and most crucial stage in building long-term business ties.
"Training engineers for Africa is the foundation for technology transfer. When an African specialist is trained on Russian equipment and masters Russian software, they become a gateway for Russian business. This opens doors for the export of machine tools, automated systems, and the establishment of joint ventures on the continent," he emphasized.
The participation of the African Business Club's President in the "Metalworking-2026" business program sent a clear signal to Russian industrialists: Africa is ready for industrialization and seeks Russian technological solutions. Following the discussion, an agreement was reached to implement concrete internship projects for African students and young engineers at MSTU "STANKIN" and its leading industrial partners. This will allow young specialists not only to gain knowledge but also to familiarize themselves with equipment that could be supplied to their home countries in the future.
Digital Revolution and International Cooperation
Earlier during the plenary session, the Rector of MSTU "STANKIN," Boris Padalkin, noted that the digital revolution demands entirely new competencies from designers and technologists. These very cadres will become the foundation for international technological exchange.
The university's stand was also visited by a special guest—cosmonaut and Hero of the Russian Federation Alexander Lazutkin, who highlighted
the significance of engineering work for the highest achievements of science and space exploration.
MSTU "STANKIN" has once again reaffirmed its status as a leading training ground for the global industry. The integration of international alumni like Louis Gouend into the university's global agenda proves that Russian engineering education is currently one of the most effective "soft power" tools and a reliable foundation for developing technological businesses between Russia and African nations.
Moscow, Crocus Expo. Within the framework of the international exhibition "Metalworking-2026" (Metalloobrabotka-2026)—Russia's largest exhibition project in the field of machine tool building and metalworking, held with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation—Moscow State Technological University "STANKIN" (MSTU "STANKIN") organized a series of key business events. One of the highlights was the panel discussion "STANKIN: Engineering Cadres for Partner Countries," which featured Louis Gouend, an outstanding university alumnus and President of the African Business Club.
The "Metalworking-2026" exhibition brought together over 1,200 companies from 11 Russian regions and foreign partner countries, including India, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, Belarus, Turkey, and others. MSTU "STANKIN" showcased the Head Competence Center of the Machine Tool Industry at its stand—a structure designed to centralize the industry's scientific potential and cutting-edge developments.
Engineering Education as a Key to Africa's Technological Sovereignty
Louis Gouend spoke at the discussion upon invitation from the university’s International Cooperation Department. In his speech, he emphasized that his participation in an exhibition of this scale is not only a tribute to his alma mater but also a strategic step towards bringing the industrial sectors of Russia and African countries closer together.
"I accepted the invitation from MSTU 'STANKIN' with a special feeling. It is gratifying to know that among the alumni of my university are such prominent statesmen as the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. This sets a very high bar of responsibility," noted Louis Gouend.
The main thesis of his presentation was the critical need for Africa to transition from raw material exports to creating value-added chains through the deep processing of resources directly on the continent. According to the expert, participation in such exhibitions opens up new opportunities for the direct transfer of Russian technologies to the African market.
From Training Cadres to Business Expansion
Louis Gouend focused on the fact that training African engineers at "STANKIN" is the first and most crucial stage in building long-term business ties.
"Training engineers for Africa is the foundation for technology transfer. When an African specialist is trained on Russian equipment and masters Russian software, they become a gateway for Russian business. This opens doors for the export of machine tools, automated systems, and the establishment of joint ventures on the continent," he emphasized.
The participation of the African Business Club's President in the "Metalworking-2026" business program sent a clear signal to Russian industrialists: Africa is ready for industrialization and seeks Russian technological solutions. Following the discussion, an agreement was reached to implement concrete internship projects for African students and young engineers at MSTU "STANKIN" and its leading industrial partners. This will allow young specialists not only to gain knowledge but also to familiarize themselves with equipment that could be supplied to their home countries in the future.
Digital Revolution and International Cooperation
Earlier during the plenary session, the Rector of MSTU "STANKIN," Boris Padalkin, noted that the digital revolution demands entirely new competencies from designers and technologists. These very cadres will become the foundation for international technological exchange.
The university's stand was also visited by a special guest—cosmonaut and Hero of the Russian Federation Alexander Lazutkin, who highlighted
the significance of engineering work for the highest achievements of science and space exploration.
MSTU "STANKIN" has once again reaffirmed its status as a leading training ground for the global industry. The integration of international alumni like Louis Gouend into the university's global agenda proves that Russian engineering education is currently one of the most effective "soft power" tools and a reliable foundation for developing technological businesses between Russia and African nations.