The GROW Project – Construction Waste Remediation and Recycling Vocational Training in Sub-Saharan Africa has officially been launched, bringing together European and African partners to address construction waste challenges while promoting green job creation in Nigeria and Mozambique.
Co-Funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Vocational Education and Training in Sub Saharan Africa programme, the GROW Project aims to strengthen vocational education systems by equipping young people, construction workers, and educators with green, digital, and entrepreneurial skills for sustainable construction waste management and recycling.
The construction sector is one of the largest generators of waste globally, accounting for up to 30 per cent of total solid waste. In many Sub-Saharan African countries, most construction and demolition waste ends up in dumpsites, despite its strong potential for reuse and recycling. GROW seeks to turn this challenge into an opportunity by integrating circular economy principles into vocational training and linking skills development with labour market needs.
Through the project, Vocational Training institutions in Nigeria and Mozambique will modernise curricula, train instructors and managers, and pilot innovative training programmes focused on construction waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable building practices. The project also promotes work-based learning, internships, job fairs, and entrepreneurship to improve employment and self-employment opportunities for young people.
Gender equality and social inclusion are central to GROW’s approach, with a commitment to ensure that at least 30 per cent of beneficiaries are women. By encouraging women’s participation in green construction careers, the project aims to foster more inclusive and resilient local economies.
Speaking on the project, the Apodissi General Manager, Margherita Trestini, added: “The GROW Project provides a unique opportunity to modernise training systems and introduce innovative approaches to Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) recycling and sustainable building practices. At APODISSI, we are particularly focused on promoting entrepreneurship, inclusion, and employment opportunities, especially for young people and women. By building local capacity and strengthening partnerships between education and industry, this project will contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and economic resilience in Nigeria and Mozambique.”
Trestini further said that APODISSI, with its operational headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, has extensive knowledge of the CDW ecosystem in Lagos and Windhoek.
“Through the GROW Project, we have a valuable opportunity to expand our engagement into Mozambique, better understand the local market, and establish strong networks within the CDW sector. This collaboration will enable APODISSI to contribute its expertise while building strategic partnerships that support long-term innovation, skills development, and sustainable CDW management solutions in the region,” she added.
GROW is implemented by a consortium of partners from Europe – Mínimos Quadrados – MQ; AREA; MUNDUS; and Africa- Lagos Waste Management Authority – LAWMA; APODISSI; UniZambeze; Instituto Superior Dom Bosco – ISDB, including vocational training institutions, public authorities, universities, and private sector stakeholders. The project aligns with EU Global Gateway priorities, national development strategies in Nigeria and Mozambique, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
By strengthening skills, promoting innovation, and fostering cross-border collaboration, the GROW Project is expected to contribute to cleaner cities, reduced environmental impact, and sustainable job creation across Sub-Saharan Africa.