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Enabel Innovation Hub Bootcamp : One week in Kampala driving innovation forward
Alice BONJEAN | 30/06/2025
From 7th to 11th April 2025, the Enabel Innovation Hub hosted a dynamic and energising five-day bootcamp in Kampala. Funded by Belgium through the Wehubit 2.0 programme, with the contribution of the European Union via the Data Governance in Africa Initiative (DGA), the Digital and Green Innovation Joint Action (DGI), and the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA), this bootcamp served as a vibrant platform for peer learning, strategic thinking, and cross-sector collaboration. The event brought together 21 promising project teams, each supported through Enabel Innovation Hub and working on innovative solutions to address real-world challenges including climate change, child malnutrition, access to healthcare, and teacher development. Longa and Aledia, two projects financed by Belgium under Wehubit programme took part in the bootcamp. A week of learning, strategy, and KENnection Throughout the five days, participants explored key themes such as scaling strategies, sustainable finance, and partnership-building. Guided by innovation experts from Brink, the participants learned about Behavioural Innovation, a unique approach that blends behavioural science, psychology, and innovation methodologies to drive social impact. For interested projects, the Brink team will continue to provide support in the coming months through action-research collaborations. The bootcamp offered a powerful mix of practical exercises, expert-led sessions, and peer reflection, giving participants the time and space to step back and reassess the long-term vision of their scaling pathways.This bootcamp also forms part of a broader initiative led by Enabel Innovation Hub : the Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN). This network brings together the 21 innovations currently supported by the Innovation Hub and the 27 alumni from the Wehubit 1.0 programme (2018–2023). Through various activities, the KEN aims to create spaces for exchange, shared learning, and peer-to-peer inspiration between current and former project teams, accelerating sustainable impact through social innovation. About the bootcamp, Axelle Callewier, Knowledge Management Officer at Enabel’s Innovation Hub, emphasised how meaningful the interactions were among the 21 projects meeting for the first time, with the added opportunity to connect with Alumni based in Kampala: “The energy in the room was undeniable - it’s incredibly rewarding to feel the collective momentum within this dynamic group of innovators.” Learning from the innovation ecosystem in Kampala A highlight moment of the week was the opportunity to witness innovation in action. Participants visited three social initiatives based in Kampala: Ecoplastile: Tackling plastic pollution by converting waste into sustainable construction materials. Zetu Africa: A design-based social enterprise behind the SeatPack—a school bag that transforms into a bamboo classroom chair. AirQo: A Wehubit 1.0 alumni project, supported between 2018 and 2023. This research project from Makerere University develops low-cost air quality monitoring sensors, which are now being deployed on a large scale in Uganda. These visits offered a real-world perspective on innovation, resilience, and business models. As Angela from AirQo reminded everyone, speaking to the value of the Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN) facilitated by Enabel: “We shine together.” Added value for Wehubit 2.0 programme participants The bootcamp proved highly beneficial for the two Wehubit 2.0 grantees, facilitating their progress in several key areas: The grantees connected with other projects facing the same scaling challenges, particularly concerning integration within the national ecosystem and the initial stages of developing robust business models. The visit to the Ugandan ecosystem at AirQo inspired one grantee, leading to plans for concrete follow-up actions to explore potential new partnerships. The bootcamp enabled the grantees to initiate planning for the upcoming action research support. Also, they explored potential future events participation relevant to innovation, e-health, agritech, and AI, aiming to gain external insights and inspiration. In summary, for the Belgian-supported project, the bootcamp provided a valuable opportunity for the two grantees to exchange insights both amongst themselves and with other participants. This fostered a deeper reflection on the shared challenges in scaling digital social innovations as non-profit entities. Looking ahead This bootcamp in Kampala was more than just a training - it was a catalyst for collaboration, strategic thinking, and inspiration. As Enabel and its partners continue to support innovation across Africa, events like these play a critical role in nourishing the social innovation ecosystem and scaling solutions that truly matter. By investing in people, partnerships, and purpose-driven innovation, we're paving the way for sustainable and social impact.
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Digital innovations in Mali and Uganda empowering communities through health and agriculture
Alice BONJEAN | 10/06/2025
As part of the Wehubit 2.0 programme, Enabel Innovation Hub launched a Call for Proposals in December 2023 to catalyse digital social innovations in response to the accelerating digitalisation of our societies. The focus was on scaling novel, proven solutions with the potential for meaningful and wide-reaching impact. The Call prioritised disruptive innovations over incremental ones. This distinction was decided on factors such as risk, impact potential, and resource requirements. Ultimately, Wehubit sought innovations that not only address current challenges but also offer scalable, sustainable solutions, positioning Wehubit as a trusted partner throughout the innovation journey. Following a rigorous selection process, 2 projects were chosen to begin their scaling trajectory in August 2024. This process will last between 12 and 24 months, during which the projects will receive financial and technical supports from Enabel Innovation Hub team. This support goes beyond financial aid, encompassing guidance on learning, capacity-building workshops and networking opportunities through events involving other Innovation Hub-supported initiatives funded by Belgium and/or the European Union. Through this approach, Wehubit 2.0 aims to enhance the adoption and accessibility of digital solutions that foster inclusive and sustainable development, reduce inequalities, and empower people in Enabel’s partner countries. The 2 selected innovations are aligned with the strategic priorities of Enabel’s country portfolios and are ready to scale their impact.Meet the 2 winners supported by Enabel Innovation Hub 1. ALeDIA, Mali ALeDIA is a digital application designed to enhance child health in Mali. Implemented in health centres, it optimises the care of children under five by assisting health workers and improving the quality of care. The project aims to expand ALeDIA’s use, strengthen health workers’ skills, generate evidence of its impact, and support its large-scale deployment across Mali. This project is implemented by Terre des hommes (Tdh), a foundation established in 1960 and committed to improving the lives of children worldwide. With a focus on child health, justice, and migration, Tdh works to enhance access to quality care, especially for vulnerable populations in rural and semi-urban areas across Africa. The foundation’s work in childhood nutrition and healthcare aims to reduce preventable deaths and improve long-term health outcomes for children under five.2. Longa, Uganda and Mali Longa is a computer programme capable of understanding spoken Swahili and Luganda, helping farmers make their voices heard. Developed by Farm Radio International (FRI) in collaboration with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), it transcribes, translates, and analyses voice messages from smallholder farmers.This enables FRI to better understand their needs and adapt its radio broadcasts accordingly. By expanding to other languages, Longa strengthens the autonomy of marginalised communities and improves communication between civic and policy stakeholders. This innovative tool enhances feedback mechanisms, promotes inclusivity, and contributes to a more food-secure future. This project is implemented by Farm Radio International, a Canadian non-profit organisation working with radio broadcasters to enhance food security and agricultural knowledge for small-scale farmers in African countries. By integrating innovation into its mission, FRI ensures that underserved communities receive vital information in their own languages.
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Empowering African innovation: public innovations selected to scale their impact
Alice BONJEAN | 06/06/2025
As part of the Digital and Green Innovation Action, the Enabel Innovation Hub, is implementing the Call for Proposals on Scaling Digital and Green Innovations in Africa. Through a combination of grants and capacity building, the Innovation Hub supports not-for-profit and public stakeholders in designing and implementing data-driven digital solutions to address pressing social challenges. By bridging digital divides—whether urban-rural, gender-based, or generational—the programme aims to strengthen data-informed decision-making and policymaking. Digital and Green Innovations (DGIs) refer to solutions that harness digital tools or technologies to deliver measurable contributions to at least one of the following environmental objectives: Climate adaptation, resilience, or mitigation Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems Sustainable use and preservation of water and maritime resources Pollution prevention and reduction Resource efficiency Systemic transitions such as the circular economy In this context, digital technologies are not ends in themselves, but instruments for tackling societal challenges and delivering sustainable social and economic impact within planetary boundaries. This Call for Proposals will focus particularly on DGIs aligned with the thematic priorities set by Enabel and its implementing partners under the DGI Joint Action, as well as with the strategic objectives of Enabel’s Country Portfolios.Meet the 5 winners supported for 14 months by Enabel Innovation HubAgritech Moloni, Democratic Republic of the Congo Agritech Moloni is an innovative digital platform that provides Congolese farmers with real-time information on weather, market prices, and sustainable practices tailored to their profile, location, and specific crops. Accessible via SMS and USSD, it promotes digital inclusion even in remote rural areas. The AgriTech Moloni project advocates for sustainable farming practices and aims to increase production while protecting natural resources and strengthening food security.Digi-Tide, Tanzania Digi-Tide is a collaboration of ABALOBI and HIVA-KULeuven, combining social entrepreneurial and academic expertise. After South-Africa and Kenya, this project brings the ABALOBI digital platform to Tanzania, including a mobile app for each fisher to use with individual logbook, a marketplace platform, and a monitor platform. Digi-Tide aims to support small-scale fisheries become greener, digital, and more sustainable. It also facilitates peer learning and builds capacity and networks among Beach Management Units, fishing communities, education actors and other stakeholders in Tanga and Pemba. Digi-Tide will inform and share insights on the Tanzania local fishing sector through videographics based on the project’s ethnographic component.Tap & Track, Uganda The Tap&Track project wants to digitise and formalise rural water systems in Uganda, allowing for more efficient and greener water supply. Practica and GOAL will roll out the Tap&Track system to selected Ugandan Area Service Providers (ASP) – managing handpumps in rural areas – and Umbrella authorities of Water & Sanitation (WatSan) – managing small-scale piped water schemes. Through a web dashboard and a mobile application, these ASP’s and WatSan’s and their caretakers staff, will be able to optimise the financial and technical performance of their drinking water systems, while at the same time greening their operations. Through training and capacity building, the project will especially empower young and female caretakers.DeltaSense, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Mozambique DeltaSense uses advanced satellite data technologies, validated on the ground by local research institutions, to map and track landscape changes around African lakes. This environmental monitoring, with information available through an open-source remote sensing web platform, is expected to enable authorities and local communities to take action to preserve essential ecosystem services and strengthen their resilience.SAMAD, Benin Access Agriculture’s learning videos in local languages will be made available in a mobile App and through solar-powered smart projectors deployed by grass-roots entrepreneurs, in order to increase the use of agroecology farming techniques. An evidence-based strategy to expand this innovation in Benin and beyond will be developed by engaging multiple stakeholders and collecting end-user feedback.
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One week in Kampala - Driving digital innovation forward
Alice BONJEAN | 06/06/2025
The Team Europe Data Governance in Africa Initiative and the Digital and Green Innovation Action (DGI) support data-driven and digital innovations in public service, academia, civic engagement and social enterprises. The initiatives gathered innovators in Kampala to shape the future of a sustainable and digital world.A week of reflection, strategy, and shared energyFrom 7 to 11 April 2025, the Enabel Innovation Hub hosted a five-day bootcamp that brought together 21 forward-thinking innovation teams from across Africa. These teams are tackling real-world challenges (from plastic waste and child malnutrition to digital education and clean air) with creative, tech-powered solutions. Throughout the bootcamp, innovators from the Digital and Green Innovation Action and Data Governance in Africa initiatives worked side-by-side to design and scale better solutions. The bootcamp offered a mix of practical exercises, field visits, expert-led sessions and peer reflection, giving participants the time and space to step back and reassess the long-term vision of their scaling pathways. “This wasn’t just a training, it was a shift in how we think about growth,” - said one of the participants. Over the five days, participants explored key themes such as, How to plan for scale and long-term impactBuilding partnerships that lastFinding sustainable financing pathwaysA fresh approach to innovation using behavioural science, guided by experts from Brink These sessions were built around real-world problem-solving, peer exchange, and actionable insights, creating a collective momentum towards solving our current pressing problems. Axelle Callewier, Knowledge Management Officer at Enabel Innovation Hub, explained this best as “The energy in the room was undeniable and it’s incredibly rewarding to feel the collective momentum within this dynamic group of innovators.” Looking ahead This bootcamp in Kampala catalysed collaboration, strategic thinking, and inspiration. As the projects and their implementing partners continue to support innovation across Africa and the world, boot camps like these are critical in nourishing the social innovation ecosystem and scaling solutions that truly matter. More on the Digital and Green Innovation ActionThe Digital and Green Innovation (DGI) project is a Team Europe initiative uniting the European Union, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia and the Netherlands. The Digital and Green Innovation Action (DGI) is designed to accelerate digital and green innovation in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It offers tailored support to innovators, facilitates stakeholder events, and organises targeted finance matchmaking to foster collaboration and investment.
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Empowering African innovation: public innovations selected to scale their impact
Alice BONJEAN | 06/06/2025
Through grants and capacity building, the Enabel Innovation Hub enables not-for-profit and public stakeholders to implement data-driven digital solutions to social challenges by bridging digital divides in urban/rural, gender, and youth. Ultimately, the programme improves the quality of decision-making and policy-making using data. Fostering data-driven innovationThe Enabel Innovation Hub, under Team Europe's Data Governance in Africa Initiative aims to identify and support the scaling of Digital Social Innovations (DSIs) in Africa implemented by public institutions, academia, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Social Enterprises. The programme began with a Call for Proposals in April 2024, inviting African not-for-profit and public stakeholders to submit proposals for innovations that close existing digital divides/gaps (e.g., urban/rural, gender, youth, etc.) in E-health, digital inclusion, climate change, and governance. 117 applications were received from about 20 African countries by the May deadline. After a rigorous selection process the following public sector DSIs were selected for their strong potential in innovation, societal impact, scalability, and cross-border reach. Aligned with the initiative’s objectives, each selected DSI will have the opportunity to refine strategies, explore sustainable finance and partnerships to scale their project for impact through expert guidance, peer exchange and workshops.Meet the 6 winners supported by Enabel Innovation HubScaling iKnowFarm, Uganda Implemented by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), Scaling iKnowFarm is a data-driven app revolutionising agriculture in Uganda through its climate-smart approaches. By providing farmers with real-time insights, expert guidance, and market access, iKnowFarm drives sustainable farming practices and fosters economic growth across Uganda.MICE-RIoT, South Africa Implemented by Planact, the MICE-RIoT (Monitoring Indoor Climate Extremes involving Residents and IoT) project harnesses IoT technology to monitor indoor climate conditions in informal settlements in South Africa. By using wireless sensors, it collects and analyses real-time data on indoor heat levels, empowering residents to address health risks and advocate for improved housing. The system includes community training, data visualisation dashboards, and policy advocacy, intending to influence housing regulations to enhance climate resilience. This scalable, open-source solution combines community-driven insights with technological innovation, promoting sustainable housing practices and improving living conditions for vulnerable populations exposed to extreme heat.Citizen Science for Water Management (Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa) International Water Management Institute (IWMI) ‘s Citizen Science Initiative in the Limpopo River Basin aims to empower local communities to manage their water resources actively. By providing user-friendly tools such as MiniSASS and clarity tubes, along with AI-driven monitoring systems, the initiative enables residents to collect essential data on water quality and flow. This data will be uploaded to a central digital platform, analysed, and integrated into a Digital Twin of the river basin. The insights gained from this real-time data will support decision-makers, improve water management practices, and promote the sustainable protection of this vital ecosystem for future generations.FAIR (Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa) The Europe External Programme with Africa (EEPA) provides interoperable, secure datapods that enable the safe storage and analysis of refugee data, enhancing rapid responses to human rights abuses. Built on open-source technology and aligned with the FAIR principles – Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable – these datapods prioritise data privacy and ownership while enabling insightful analysis. Through co-created user interfaces and comprehensive training, EEPA empowers humanitarian organisations to protect vulnerable communities and advocate effectively for their rights.REC Maternity, Guinea Since 2019, Terre des Hommes (TdH) has been deploying a decision-support tool called REC Maternity. This tool aims to improve the quality of care for mothers and newborns. By 2026, the governance of data collected through the use of this tool will be strengthened, enhancing the accuracy of diagnoses, protecting patients, and informing decision-makers. Integrated into the national health system, this initiative prepares for a sustainable and responsible scaling-up of REC Maternity in Guinea and across Africa, thereby contributing to strengthening data governance on the continent.RADAR, Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo Implemented by Handicap International, RADAR is an innovation that focuses on the implementation of the Rehabilitation module within the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) in Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This open-source software is customised to collect, analyse, and visualise rehabilitation data, integrating key indicators to strengthen health information systems. By facilitating routine monitoring and supporting data-driven decision-making, the project aims to enhance rehabilitation services. It emphasizes local engagement, the training of healthcare professionals, and alignment with existing health infrastructures and policies, ensuring sustainability and scalability across Africa.
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One week in Kampala - Driving digital innovation forward
Alice BONJEAN | 06/06/2025
The Team Europe Data Governance in Africa Initiative and the Digital and Green Innovation Action (DGI) support data-driven and digital innovations in public service, academia, civic engagement and social enterprises. The initiatives gathered innovators in Kampala to shape the future of a sustainable and digital world.A week of reflection, strategy, and shared energyFrom 7 to 11 April 2025, the Enabel Innovation Hub hosted a five-day bootcamp that brought together 21 forward-thinking innovation teams from across Africa. These teams are tackling real-world challenges (from plastic waste and child malnutrition to digital education and clean air) with creative, tech-powered solutions. Throughout the bootcamp, innovators from the Digital and Green Innovation Action and Data Governance in Africa initiatives worked side-by-side to design and scale better solutions. The bootcamp offered a mix of practical exercises, field visits, expert-led sessions and peer reflection, giving participants the time and space to step back and reassess the long-term vision of their scaling pathways. “This wasn’t just a training—it was a shift in how we think about growth,” - said one of the participants. Over the five days, participants explored key themes such as, How to plan for scale and long-term impactBuilding partnerships that lastFinding sustainable financing pathwaysA fresh approach to innovation using behavioural science, guided by experts from Brink These sessions were built around real-world problem-solving, peer exchange, and actionable insights, creating a collective momentum towards solving our current pressing problems. Axelle Callewier, Knowledge Management Officer at Enabel Innovation Hub, explained this best as “The energy in the room was undeniable and it’s incredibly rewarding to feel the collective momentum within this dynamic group of innovators.” Looking ahead This bootcamp in Kampala catalysed collaboration, strategic thinking, and inspiration. As the projects and their implementing partners continue to support innovation across Africa and the world, boot camps like these are critical in nourishing the social innovation ecosystem and scaling solutions that truly matter. More on the Data Governance in Africa Initiative The Team Europe Data Governance in Africa Initiative is implemented with the financial support of the European Union and Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France and Germany as part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy. It supports the African Union (AU) and its Member States in creating human-centric, development-focused data policies at all levels, aiming to harmonize regulations, enable cross-border data flows, and promote investment in secure and sustainable data infrastructure to support a single digital market in Africa.
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EU Green Week - Partner Event
Nicoletta FAVARETTO | 28/05/2025
We are pleased to invite you to the event Leveraging EU expertise to support circular economy business transition and build mutually beneficial partnerships in partner countries. This panel discussion and networking lunch organised by the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC) in the framework of the EU Green Week will take place on the 24th June 2025 at Enabel, Rue Haute 147, Brussels, from 10:00 to 13:30.EU CERC is a five-year project funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, and implemented by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and Enabel. The Centre aims to increase the uptake of sound and inclusive circular economy policies and business models, based on peer-to-peer exchanges and partnerships between EU and partner’s country stakeholders. The EU CERC operates through three interlinked labs: the Policy lab, the Knowledge lab and the Business Lab.This partner’s event, organised by the EU CERC Business Lab, will explore how the EU know-how can support businesses in partner countries in their transition to a circular economy, while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. The event brings together businesses, business associations, research and technical organisations, policymakers, and peer EU initiatives, shedding lights on opportunities and successful business collaboration between the EU and partner countries. When: 24 June | 10:00 CEST Format: In-person Detailed event programme: see attached Registration, before the 17 June: Event Registration The agenda : 10:30 – Welcome address by Jean VAN WETTER, Managing Director, Enabel 10:40 – Presentation of the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre 11:00 – Panel discussion with public and private sector representatives on How the EU know-how can support the transition of business towards circular economy in partner countries, and create mutually benefiting partnerships? Philip MARYNISSEN, Business Development Manager Circular Economy and Industrial Emissions, VITO-Flemish Institute for Technological Research Brigitte MOULIGNEAU, Transition Manager, Vlaanderen Circulair Bernard CRABBE, Head of Sector Environment & Circular economy, DG INTPA Laura CORCORAN, Co-Founder Soleil Power (circular business Uganda) Belgian circular business (tbc) 12:00 – Interactive Q&A with the audience 12:25 – Closing remarks by Evelien MASSCHELEIN, Director Expertise, Enabel 12:30 – Networking lunch
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Fair & sustainable trade on the political agenda
Evi COREMANS | 15/05/2025
“We don't just raise awareness by awareness raising consumers.” Enabel's Trade for Development Centre also works at the political level.Memorandum With elections at European, national, regional and local level, 2024 was the ideal moment to put responsible consumption on the political agenda. With TDC's support, the main Belgian fair trade organisations and companies in the sector drew up a memorandum on fair trade, with recommendations and demands at the various levels of government. These are commitments that parliaments and municipal councils can make, or that executive bodies can include in their policy statements.Interparliamentary working groupIn the previous legislative period, an interparliamentary working group on fair trade was established. This informal working group aims to make legislative progress on issues that promote fairer and more sustainable trade. In March, the memorandum was presented with a number of concrete proposals, such as giving priority to fair trade products in public procurement or evaluating the desirability of legal recognition of fair trade. In June, the interparliamentary working group met again to discuss a bill on the legal recognition and tax incentives for fair trade, as well as the role of voluntary initiatives for sustainable value chains.
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Awareness raising campaigns in Africa
Evi COREMANS | 08/05/2025
TDC is not only committed to raising awareness in Belgium, but also in African countries. Through a call for proposals in 2023, four campaigns/events were selected that promote responsible consumption and production in African countries. Three of these took place in 2024.National Fair Trade Day in Burkina FasoOn 27 and 28 November 2024, the 4th edition of the National Fair Trade Days (JNCE) took place in Bobo Dioulasso. Approximately 300 participants, including representatives from ministries, farmers' organisations and the private sector, attended the event. The event was organised by the Plateforme Nationale du Commerce Equitable du Burkina Faso (PNCE-B) and addressed the major challenges of insecurity and the consequences of climate change.Innovations were presented, including a pyrolysis boiler to combat deforestation. The convincing results led the government to commit to making its technicians available. In addition, synergies were developed between producers to meet European orders. The JNCE is an essential initiative to try to find solutions to the current crisis. It is also useful to clear up certain misunderstandings. For example, the government of Burkina Faso recently announced its intention to tax fair trade premiums, which are wrongly considered profits.More info: The National Fair Trade Days in Burkina Faso attempt to break the deadlock in fair trade - Trade for Development CentreRegional days in Côte d'IvoireThe first Regional Fair Trade Day in Côte d'Ivoire took place on 11 September 2024 in San Pedro. The event brought together around 100 producers and various key players, including local authorities, NGOs, researchers and representatives of the private sector. Through panels and roundtable discussions, producers learned a great deal on the traceability of agricultural products, financing mechanisms, the use of biofertilisers and biopesticides, the African standard for sustainable cocoa ARS-1000 and the European regulation on deforestation (EUDR) and its implications. "The Fair Trade Days are an initiative of the Ivorian Fair Trade Network RICE to raise awareness among stakeholders in the agricultural sector and the general public about the principles, benefits and impact of fair trade in Côte d'Ivoire. By decentralising this event (replacing the National Days with several Regional Days), we are forging closer ties with cooperatives and producers to promote fairer trading practices," said Marie-Thérèse Tanoh, coordinator of the network. The success of this first Regional Day strengthened RICE in its plea to the Ivorian authorities – in particular the ConseilCafé-Cacao (CCC) – for more support for cooperatives in their efforts to comply with international regulations.More info: A look back at the first regional Fair Trade Day in Côte d'Ivoire - Trade for Development CentreNational Week of Agroecology in BeninIn Benin, more than 300 participants took part in the first edition of the National Week of Agroecology (SNAE), which took place at the end of 2024 on the campuses of the universities of Abomey-Calavi and Parakou. The event consisted of three parts:A dozen papers on scientific research highlighting the effectiveness of agroecological technologies. The best were published in the form of technical data sheets and distributed via a digital platform.Discussion panels, which enabled agroecological actors to exchange views with the CEOs of public institutions and NGOs. In particular, to explain how an innovation is transferred from research to production, without forgetting the administrative formalities involved in obtaining registration and marketing approval.An exhibition with 40 stands gave farmers the opportunity to discover agroecological innovations and technologies.In Benin, agroecology now has its own promotion and awareness week. More information is available on the online platform. More info: In Benin, agroecology now has its own advocacy and awareness-raising week - Trade for Development Centre
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Producer support: coaching & financial support
Evi COREMANS | 08/05/2025
In Africa, TDC provides support to organisations in the social economy, mainly to producers who are united in cooperatives or organisations. These enterprises prioritise social and/or environmental objectives over profit maximisation, enabling them to invest more in sustainable production, better working conditions and inclusive growth.Specifically, TDC supports producer organisations active in coffee, cocoa and cashew nuts. In the following African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Uganda. The aim of the support is to make these organisations more sustainable, both economically, socially and ecologically.TDC reaches this target group in two ways:TDC provides direct support to producer organisationsTDC also supports Business Support Organisations (BSOs) so that they, in turn, can better assist producer organisations. This creates a leverage effect, enabling TDC to increase its impact by also strengthening the local supply of support services for entrepreneurship.The support offered by TDC takes two forms: on the one hand, there is a coaching programme and on the other hand TDC provides financial support.Coaching programmeThe coaching programme is a participatory and personalised coaching programme that aims to enable producer cooperatives and small businesses to take control of their own development. The coaching provides them with the resources, knowledge and skills to develop their own strategies, to do business and to innovate, thereby increasing their sales and income. TDC is convinced that this is the only way for small businesses to achieve sustainable growth. The coaching is provided on site, at the organisation, by specialists in each of these three areas:Marketing: The marketing coaching aims to strengthen commercial management skills so that organisations have the knowledge and tools they need to better enter markets. This includes positioning, market access, communication, sales, etc.Business management: Coaching in financial and business management aims to strengthen their organisational and financial management skills so that they can better manage their daily activities and financial resources.Sustainability: Coaching in sustainability will enable organisations to integrate issues of ecological sustainability and decent work into their day-to-day management.Financial supportTDC also offers subsidies to producer organisations: This is financial support for the implementation of their strategy and/or action plan to make their organisation more sustainable and ensure that they (more) comply with the principles of a living income and decent work.Goal Through all these actions, TDC contributes to making these organisations more sustainable. Both economically, because TDC's support professionalises their business management and ensures better market access. This makes the organisation more efficient and enables it to enter the market on better terms, thereby increasing its income. As these are social economy organisations, economic strengthening also contributes to social and environmental strengthening. When organisations are stronger, they are better able to provide services to producers, which benefits the social aspect. These organisations are important links in providing access to healthcare, education, financing, etc. These organisations are also supported in sustainable production methods, which limits the impact of their production on the environment.The support also enables the organisations to prepare and organise themselves within the framework of European legislation on deforestation and due diligence, so that these producers can continue to access European markets.30 organisations receive data capturingIn 2023, Enabel's TDC launched a call for applications for SMEs that want to be considered for TDC's coaching programme in human rights and environmental due diligence, marketing or business management.In 2024, 34 organisations were selected: 30 of them will first receive a preliminary programme in data capturing. The other four are already known to TDC from previous collaborations.This provides the organisations with relevant information and insights that they can use to strengthen their structure, but it also helps TDC to collect the necessary data that the jury needs to make a final decision on whether or not the organisation will be selected for the full coaching programme.The jury will take place in 2025.5 BSOs will follow the full coaching programmeVia a seperate call for proposals, 5 buiness support organisations were selected for the full TDC coaching track. This may involve strengthening content or strengthening teaching methods (techniques/methods for guidance, animation, coaching, knowledge transfer, etc.).10 producer organisations and 8 BSOs receive financial supportThey will receive a maximum of €90,000 per project, to be rolled out between 2025 and 2027.The following activities may be eligible for TDC funding:Calculating the gap between household income and living wages and drawing up an action plan to reduce this gap;Strengthening the position of producer organisations vis-à-vis primary buyers, e.g. mapping the supply chain or providing support in contract negotiations;Promoting climate-smart agriculture, such as agroecology, organic farming, renewable energy, etc.;Diversifying production for own consumption or for sale on (local) markets;Developing instruments for collecting and reporting data in accordance with European requirements (greater traceability)Implementing traceability systems, e.g. collecting geolocation data.Want to know more about the organisations TDC supported in its previous programmes? Please check www.tdc-enabel.be > producer support > supported organisations
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Trade for Development Centre's presentation video
Evi COREMANS | 28/04/2025
The Trade for Development Centre envisions “a world in which sustainable consumption and production go hand in hand.” Discover Enabel's Trade for Development Centre in this 2 minute-video: its support programme for cooperatives and business support organisations (BSOs), its awareness-raising campaigns in Belgium and its support for advocacy campaigns in Africa. Check TDC's YouTube channelfor the video in French: Vidéo de présentation (Voice over et sous-titres en FR) or for the video with Dutch subtitels: Voorstelling Trade for Development Centre (NL)
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Fair Trade Week
Evi COREMANS | 28/04/2025
The Fair Trade Week is TDC's best-known awareness raising campaign for the general public. This annual campaign, that takes place at the beginning of October, puts fair trade and fair trade products in the spotlight for 10 days throughout the whole of Belgium.Every year, TDC organises a project competition inviting associations, schools, municipalities, etc. to come up with an original activity that raises awareness on the ecological and social impact of our consumption. The most original activities can receive funding of up to €4,000. This results in a wide range of activities, from debates, workshops and fair fashion fairs to cooking competitions, there is something for everyone!The more than a 100 fair trade activities that take place during the campaign are gathered in an online calendar at www.weekvandefairtrade.be / www.semaineducommerceequitable.be. You will also find all press releases and news items about the campaign there.
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Big milestone ahead: Pillar 2 of the TEI OP-VET programme is kicking off
Loïc FIERMANS | 07/04/2025
Starting strong at the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2025) in Kampala, Uganda, from 8 - 10 April 2025. It’s our first regional exchange, and we’re stepping into one of the most relevant spaces for our work - bringing together renewable energy investors, private sector players, and policy actors under one roof. At EAIF, we’re hosting a targeted workshop with around 140 participants. The focus? Creating real links between the skills sector and private companies in renewable energy. We’re looking at how vocational training can better align with the jobs being created in this fast-growing field and how to make those connections more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. That’s what Pillar 2 of this TEI is about: supporting public-private collaboration and regional dialogue that leads to opportunity-driven skills development. EAIF gives us the perfect opportunity to promote the TEI OP-VET approach, start conversations that matter, and engage with key actors like GET.invest, ARE, and Team Europe partners. This isn’t a one-off, either. EAIF is just the starting point. It marks the launch of a series of regional exchanges that will position the Opportunity-Driven VET approach at the heart of green investments and sustainable job creation across Africa. TEI OP-VET Pillar 2 is officially in motion. And Uganda is just the beginning. #TEIOPVET #EAIF2025 #SkillsForJobs #GreenEnergy #TeamEurope #GlobalGateway #RenewableEnergy #VET #PublicPrivatePartnerships
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Belgium : Gender Gamification Workshop
Eva COUDYZER | 14/03/2025
The Digital for Girls and Women project, financed by Enabel and supported by the D4D Hub, organized a 2-day capacity building workshop on the topic of Gender-transformative digital cooperation. The workshop took place in Brussels on October 8 and 9 2024. More information can be found here: Gender Gamification Workshop | D4D Access
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Webinar: Digital inclusion for migrants, refugees and indigenous communities
Eva COUDYZER | 27/02/2025
The Digital for Girls and Women project organised a webinar on the inclusion of minorities in the digital space. The webinar took place on July 10, 2024 by Micky Elange, Gender Expert at Enabel. With contributions by:Audrey-Maude Perreault, IDIL Secretariat UNESCOEddie Avila, Rising Voices, Director Global VoicesJohn Warnes, Senior Innovation Officer, UNHCRKaye-Maree Dunn, Managing Director Making Everything Achievable (MEA)The webinar can be watched here: https://youtu.be/Q5E2Czvqw2o?si=l9lySKiGRTUhk3AS
