Overview

The Team Europe Initiative on Opportunity-driven Skills and Vocational Education and Training (TEI OP-VET) aims to connect skills development and VET with investments in Global Gateway priority sectors—Digital, Health, Transport, and Climate & Energy. By aligning training with economic opportunities, the initiative helps unlock the employment potential created by these investments and the development of key sectors and value chains.

Running from 2024 to 2029, TEI OP-VET is implemented by a consortium of European development agencies, including:

• Enabel (Belgium)
• GIZ (Germany)
• Expertise France (France)
• EDUFI (Finland)

Together, these agencies provide expertise to ensure that VET systems are responsive to real market needs, supporting sustainable job creation across the region.

Three Streams of Action

TEI OP-VET is structured around three interconnected components:

Stream 1. Request-Based Technical Assistance (TA) Facility

• A flexible mechanism providing on-demand expertise to strengthen VET systems.
• Organisations can submit requests for support, receiving tailored guidance on their specific challenges.
• Aims to enhance the relevance and quality of training programmes.

Stream 2. Regional Exchange and Public-Private Partnerships

• Facilitates dialogue between public institutions, private sector actors, and training providers.
• Encourages cross-border knowledge-sharing and regional cooperation.
• Strengthens skills ecosystems to better match training with labour market needs.

Stream 3. Competitive Funding Mechanism (Call for Proposals – CfP)

• Provides funding for regional and multi-country projects in priority sectors.
• Focuses on scalable and innovative solutions for vocational training.
• Encourages private sector involvement to ensure long-term impact.
  

Looking Ahead

TEI OP-VET represents a significant opportunity for stakeholders in skills development, education, and investment to engage in shaping the future of VET in Sub-Saharan Africa. By working together, we can:

1. Enhance skills training and employability
2. Strengthen sector-driven workforce development
3. Support inclusive and sustainable economic growth

Stay connected and follow the latest updates as we take this important step towards a more responsive, investment-driven approach to VET!