SHINE is underway: building a better solar training in Africa
In March 2024, partners from six countries came together in Zaragoza, Spain, to begin a three-year collaboration across Europe and Africa. The room brought together professionals in vocational education, renewable energy, digital learning and entrepreneurship — all with a shared objective: to design practical, inclusive and forward-looking training in solar panel technology for young people across Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda.
Why solar, why now?
Africa has the potential to lead the world in solar energy. In many communities, it already does — out of necessity. But while demand for clean, affordable energy is growing fast, technical training often lags behind. Many vocational centres don’t yet have the tools, the curricula or the support to prepare students for work in the solar sector.
That’s where SHINE comes in.
The project aims to:
Provide hands-on training in solar energy systems
Support VET teachers and institutions with digital tools and resources
Include entrepreneurial skills as part of the training path
Promote exchange and mobility between African and European VET systems
Create a network of people and organisations committed to building skills for a green future
It’s not just about education — it’s about relevance. Connecting what is taught to what is needed.
First steps, together
The Zaragoza meeting marked the official start of the project’s implementation phase. Across two working days, the consortium:
Reviewed the project’s structure and roadmap
Defined the scope of national research into green skills in the solar sector
Began shaping the digital SHINE Platform, which will host training content
Launched the communication plan and shared the new visual identity
Set a rhythm for working together — across time zones, sectors and realities
Everyone left with a clearer picture of what comes next. And with the sense that the work ahead will be challenging, necessary and worthwhile.