Main objective: To transform waste into wealth by strengthening VET systems in Angola, Ghana, Namibia and São Tomé, equipping trainers and learners with practical skills in circular economy, green waste management, digital innovation and micro-entrepreneurship.
CircuWaste
VETAfrica
CircuWasteVETAfrica is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in VET project that promotes
circular economy and sustainable waste management in Angola, Ghana, Namibia and
São Tomé. Through vocational training, digital skills, green entrepreneurship and
public-private partnerships, the project aims to transform waste into employment
opportunities for young people and women.
The Project
Project
CircuWasteVETAfrica-Circular Economy and Green Waste Micro Entrepreneurship VET Programme in Angola, Namibia and Sao Tomé
Project number
ERASMUS-EDU-CB-VET-2024-101182642
Type of project
Erasmus Capacity Building in the field of Vocational Education and Training – CB VET
Programme
Erasmus+
Context
Africa is facing a growing waste management challenge linked to rapid urbanisation, limited recycling infrastructure, low public awareness, insufficient regulation and a lack of specialised green skills. Although a large share of municipal solid waste can be reused, recycled or valorised, most waste is still sent to dumpsites or poorly managed, while the economic potential of circular economy remains underexploited.
At the same time, many young people in Sub-Saharan Africa face unemployment, limited access to quality vocational education and a mismatch between the skills offered by training systems and the needs of emerging labour markets. TVET providers often lack updated curricula, digital tools, industry connections and specialised trainers able to prepare learners for green jobs in waste management, recycling, upcycling and circular entrepreneurship.
CircuWasteVETAfrica responds to this challenge through a “Waste to Wealth” approach. The project promotes vocational education and training in Green Waste Management and Circular Economy to increase sustainable employment opportunities for youth and women. Its official website states that the project provides VET in Green Waste Management and Circular Economy and aims to increase sustainable employment for youth and women.
The project focuses on Angola, Ghana, Namibia and São Tomé, supporting VET centres to integrate circular economy, green waste management, digital skills, frugal innovation, micro-entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships into their training offer. It also promotes cross-border cooperation between African and European partners and strengthens collaboration with local authorities, employers, SMEs and circular economy stakeholders. The project website describes this approach as creating green jobs for unemployed and unskilled youth while supporting VET centres in Ghana, Angola, Namibia and São Tomé.
Objectives
Strengthen the capacity of VET trainers and managers through a multidisciplinary Train-the-Trainers programme focused on pedagogy, circular waste, digital tools, business models and public-private partnerships.
Map stakeholders and skills gaps in the circular waste value chain to ensure that training responds to real labour market demand.
Develop and pilot green circular waste training programmes for learners, adapted to local labour market needs and national contexts.
Foster public-private partnerships between VET schools, local authorities, employers, SMEs and circular economy actors.
Promote green jobs, employability and self-employment opportunities for young people and women in the circular economy and waste management sectors.
Support the uptake of green and digital skills in VET institutions, contributing to the green transition and to more sustainable local communities.
Promote awareness of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, upcycling and circular economy practices among schools, learners and communities.
Results
- Stakeholder mapping and skills gap analysis in Angola, Ghana, Namibia and São Tomé, identifying relevant actors in the circular waste value chain and priority training needs. The public deliverables page includes D4.1 Stakeholders Mapping & Skills Gaps Analysis as a project deliverable.
- Train-the-Trainers materials developed in English and Portuguese, covering pedagogy, circular waste technical skills, circular business models, micro-entrepreneurship, frugal and digital innovation, and public-private partnerships.
- Train-the-Trainers programme implemented, strengthening the technical, pedagogical and facilitation skills of VET trainers in Ghana, Angola and São Tomé. The ToT report states that 50 trainers were certified after theoretical and practical assessments.
- Smart Step e-learning course available online, allowing trainers to access reusable training content and supporting the future replication of the programme.
- Learners’ programme preparation and implementation, targeting students who will acquire green, digital and entrepreneurial skills linked to circular economy and waste management.
- Green skills heatmap and collaboration framework, supporting VET schools in identifying relevant skills, stakeholders and partnership opportunities.
- Communication and awareness materials, including website, social media, newsletters, promotional materials, videos and public deliverables. The official website includes a dedicated library with deliverables, promotional material, videos and news.
Project Activities
CircuWasteVETAfrica is structured around complementary activities that connect research, capacity building, training, partnerships and communication.
01. Stakeholder mapping and skills gap analysis
First, the consortium carries out stakeholder mapping and skills gap analysis in the circular waste economy, identifying the needs of VET schools, trainers, learners, employers, public authorities and waste management actors. This evidence base informs the design of the training offer and ensures labour-market relevance.
02. Train-the-Trainers for VET teachers and managers
Second, the project develops and implements a Train-the-Trainers programme for VET teachers and managers. The training covers competency-based pedagogy, digital learning tools, circular waste management, circular business models, micro-entrepreneurship, frugal and digital innovation, and public-private partnerships.
03. VET programme
Third, trained educators cascade the acquired knowledge to learners through a VET programme focused on green waste management and circular economy. This phase aims to improve employability, entrepreneurial capacity and practical skills among young people and women.
04. Public-private partnerships and cross-border cooperation
Fourth, the project promotes public-private partnerships and cross-border cooperation, connecting VET providers with local authorities, SMEs, employers, green industry representatives and circular economy stakeholders.
05. Communication, dissemination and awareness
Finally, the project implements communication, dissemination and awareness actions through its website, social media, newsletters, videos, events, promotional materials and public deliverables, ensuring visibility and long-term uptake of the project results. The website describes the project’s focus on Green Circular Waste Training supported by local public-private partnerships and cross-border knowledge exchange.
Partners and Countries
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.