On November 26, 2025, the PRO-S Africa–Europe Skills Forum took place in Kigali, Rwanda, marking a major milestone for the PROmoting Sustainability and Innovation in Agricultural TVET Through Cross-sectoral Cooperation (PRO-S) project. The forum gathered national institutions, international partners, policymakers, and vocational education and training (VET) experts with a shared objective: to advance sustainable education, innovation, and long-term Africa–Europe skills cooperation.
Held under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in VET framework, the forum reinforced the importance of future-ready skills and cross-continental collaboration in responding to climate, labour-market, and economic challenges affecting the agricultural sector.
The opening session of the Africa–Europe Skills Forum featured keynote contributions from representatives of public institutions, diplomatic bodies, and innovation-driven organisations:
Speakers underlined a shared vision: international cooperation, shared learning, and innovation-driven TVET systems are essential to equip learners with skills aligned to sustainability, green transition, and labour-market needs.
Two expert panel discussions shaped the core of the forum:
This session explored how green skills, innovation, and industry relevance are redefining agricultural education. Participants highlighted the growing need for market-oriented vocational training that integrates sustainability at every level.
The second panel focused on joint initiatives, long-term partnerships, and mobility opportunities between Africa and Europe. Despite different regional contexts, speakers agreed that shared challenges require shared solutions, and collaboration significantly amplifies impact.
In the afternoon, participants visited the Ecole Féminine d’Agronomie de Nyagahanga in Gatsibo, gaining first-hand insight into practice-oriented agricultural TVET. Students demonstrated hands-on learning across fields, laboratories, and workshops, reinforcing the value of experiential education in preparing learners for real-world employment.
Discussions with educators and staff provided valuable perspectives on Rwanda’s TVET system and reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation in vocational education reform.
The PRO-S project responds to pressing challenges facing agriculture and employment in Kenya, Namibia, and Rwanda, where climate change, land degradation, and economic shifts are reshaping workforce needs. A central challenge remains the gap between vocational education and labour-market demands.
By strengthening agricultural TVET through capacity building, the project promotes innovation, sustainability, and cross-sector collaboration between education providers, businesses, and policymakers.
The PRO-S Africa–Europe Skills Forum, realised in collaboration with Startup Szeged and the Rwanda TVET Board, laid a strong foundation for deeper cooperation and long-term impact.
The project is funded by the European Union and supports innovation, sustainability, and future-ready skills in agricultural TVET.
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