Month: January 2024

On the 16th of November 2023, GIZ-E4D marked the conclusion of its programme Enabling Youth Employment in Solar Energy in Tanzania project. This initiative, spanning from 2021 to 2023, aimed to empower 200 Tanzanians aged 18-24, including 40% women, as solar artisans. The project culminated with a ceremonial handover of renewable energy equipment worth 9,000.00 euros to Arusha Technical College (ATC), a sustainable measure to enable ATC to continue fostering employment in the Solar Photovoltaic sector by imparting technical and entrepreneurial skills.

Throughout the project, 198 graduates underwent a comprehensive two-week training programme at ATC, followed by an 8-week practical training period in reputable solar companies. Successful trainees received a toolbox containing electrical tools valued at 168.00 Euro, aiding their entry into the labour market as entrepreneurs. Additionally, a Solar PV course curriculum was developed and implemented, and 18 teachers from 13 TVET institutions were trained in relevant skills.

Impact of the project in Tanzania:

• Successful training of 198 youths (40% women) in Solar PV Systems
• Development and implementation of Solar PV curricula
• Enhanced capacity of 18 teachers from 13 TVET institutions
• Establishment of a Public-Private Partnership platform for the renewable energy sector

The event was attended by private sector companies such as ZOLA Electric, Engie Energy Access Tanzania, Photons Energy Ltd., and representatives from various training institutions. GIZ-E4D also extended invitations to members of the Technical Committee from the Prime Minister’s Office of Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disability, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and Ministry of Energy.

The closing event of the VET Toolbox Uganda project, held on the 23rd of November at UTC Lira, was attended by 129 participants from various organisations, including development and implementing partners, partner ministries, leaders from Lira City, solar companies, principals, and trainers from 6 VTIS & Technical colleges, as well as beneficiaries.

The agenda included remarks from GIZ’s WE4D Head of Programme and the Mayor of Lira City, a project overview and achievements presentation, sharing of beneficiary testimonials, showcasing of skills acquired from the training by the beneficiaries, visiting market booths for solar companies, presentation of lessons learned and policy recommendations, as well as a panel discussion on the same.

Key project milestones include:

• 101 beneficiaries trained in Solar PV and Advanced Operation and Maintenance of minigrids, all provided with toolkits (38% Female, 47% Youth). 64% of these individuals were placed into internships.
• 346 beneficiaries (42% Female) trained in both business and technical skills on the Productive Use of Electricity (PUE). Fifty-nine of these were further supported to acquire appliances through the matching grant.
• 31 VET Trainers (38% Female) were trained.
• 6 VET centres were supported with the required training equipment.
• Public Private Dialogue through the Sustainable Business for Uganda Platform (SB4U).
• Curriculum for Advanced Operation and Maintenance of solar minigrids developed and currently being reviewed by DIT – Directorate of Industrial Training for approval.