ILO skills project aims to uplift environmental sustainability and waste management in Ethiopia

Arba Minch, Ethiopia (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) its Global Programme on Skills and Lifelong Learning (GPSL3) project has conducted a three-day training in Arba Minch, Ethiopia from 12 – 14 November, focusing on environmental sustainability and waste management for women-led and managed SMEs, as well as enterprises run by persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

The training aims to equip women-led and managed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and businesses run by persons with disabilities with skills in environmental sustainability and waste management, contributing to Ethiopia’s green growth initiatives and sustainable development.

The training is designed to bridge skills gaps, anticipate future demands in green industries, and trace the employment outcomes of participating businesses. It emphasizes the crucial role of SMEs in promoting environmental sustainability and introduces participants to innovative practices such as circular economy models and waste-to-value strategies.

Addressing participants, Engdaye Eshete, President of the Ethiopian Women Entrepreneurs Association (EWEA) said: 

“As a President of the IGAD member states and the Ethiopian Women Entrepreneurs Association, I am proud to work with the ILO in empowering women-led SMEs in Ethiopia. With similar proceeding trainings in different regions of Ethiopia, we have witnessed significant improvements among our members in terms of business management, waste management and environmental sustainability. We urge the ILO to continue empowering women small business owners, with more modules and wider coverage, particularly in relation of circular economy, as we aspire Ethiopian women-led SMEs can go beyond doing business as usual. We also need to coordinate with other stakeholders and seek ways to provide revolving funds and other financing mechanisms for these women.” 

Day One featured the official opening session, where participants were welcomed and oriented on the objectives of the training. The day’s agenda included discussions on environmental sustainability and its relationship with decent work, emphasizing how sustainable practices can drive economic empowerment. Practical sessions introduced waste management concepts, exploring opportunities for converting waste into valuable resources. Interactive group activities highlighted waste-to-value initiatives, encouraging collaboration and innovation among participants.

Speaking about the significance of the training, Roza Agiza, Business Owner from Gurage Zone, who’s a second time trainee said: 

"The training provided by the ILO has been transformative for me and my association, which is mainly composed of female merchants within the Gurage zone. We gained valuable insights into waste management, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship. This knowledge has enabled us to restart our stalled projects, create job opportunities, and establish strong relationships with financial institutions. The training has truly empowered us to see our environment and our roles within it in a new, positive light." 

On the second day, the training shifted focus to disability inclusion within the context of micro and small enterprise development. Participants discussed the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing entrepreneurial opportunities and the importance of dismantling barriers. The session also covered the core attributes of successful entrepreneurship, with particular emphasis on how green jobs can be tailored to the skills and needs of women and PWDs. Further activities addressed gender disparities in employment, linking job opportunities to environmental sustainability, and explored business ideas in green value chains.

The final day concentrated on waste management principles and practices specifically targeted at women SMEs. Training sessions provided an in-depth look at waste management strategies, the economic drivers of effective waste practices, and the role of small enterprises in this vital sector. Participants also learned about environmental management systems, their components, and how unsustainable practices threaten natural resources. The event concluded with participants reflecting on their learnings and discussing future applications, followed by a closing ceremony.

 Mame Ayale, President of Gamo Zone Women Entrepreneurs Association also shared the following.

“I have seen that our members are benefiting from the training with practical skills around waste management and economic empowerment while also sustaining the environment. Hence, I believe this training can be more beneficial if it can be extended to more women-led SMEs in our region.”

The training program aimed to address several critical objectives: enhancing participants’ understanding of waste management and circular economy practices, equipping women-owned SMEs with practical strategies for sustainable operations and facilitating knowledge exchange through site visits to successful enterprises. By sharing green business models and fostering an inclusive learning environment, the ILO seeks to empower women and persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to Ethiopia's environmental and economic landscape.

This initiative is a testament to the ILO’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and economic inclusion. By equipping SMEs with vital skills, the organization aims to bolster Ethiopia’s capacity for green growth, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future for all.