With a forecast of 1.5 to 3.3 million new green jobs by 2030, it is evident that environmentally friendly practices not only benefit the environment but also offer many economic opportunities. In recent times relevant jobs in this regard have been highlighted in different industries that have created the demand for new jobs. In the waste management sector, jobs like Waste Specialist, Environmental inspector, Recycling Plant Operator, Plastic Recycling Technician, and Collection/sorting worker are growing opportunities for youth and women.
To foster this, the CircuwasteVETAfrica project will integrate the already existing informal reclaimers in Ghana, Angola, Namibia, and Sao Tome into future green waste management and circular economy activities in collaboration with the Public Private sector in VET to analyse skill gaps and needs. This collaboration will help design a training programme for the trainers that will be piloted into the learner’s modules to equip them with skills needed by stakeholders.
This survey was taken in 24 waste management organisations in Ghana, Angola and São Tomé
These areas reveal significant deficiencies in both technical and strategic competencies essential in the green sector labour market of each country.
26.8% of the organisations identified an urgent need for advanced waste treatment technologies, which could increase the demand for specialised expertise in modern waste systems and equipment.
16.9% of the organisations identified significant gaps in policy development and implementation. Showing that there is a need for stronger regulatory frameworks, improved enforcement mechanisms, and enhanced institutional capacity.
17.2% and 16.1% reported competencies in community engagement and health and safety protocols, respectively. However, crucial skills like project management was 10.3%, research and development 9.2%, and data analysis and reporting was 4.5%. This reflects the need for more technical training in school curricula and staff training.
See the full Stakeholders mapping & skills gaps Analysis report
