As we reach the end of an exciting journey, we are pleased to present the sixth and final newsletter of the Smart Step project. Over the past six months, the project has reached its completion, marking key milestones and celebrating the results achieved together with our partners in Europe and Africa. Let’s take a look back at what has been accomplished!

What has happened in the last 6 months?

Between months 31 and 36, Smart Step entered its final implementation phase, during which significant progress was achieved across several core activities.

One of the most important milestones was the final establishment of incubation centres in African VET schools. These centres were formally set up and fully equipped, providing students with a supportive environment to develop entrepreneurial ideas and take concrete steps towards self-employment. Through these spaces, the project strengthened entrepreneurial mindsets, supported the creation of sustainable business initiatives, and fostered connections between aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals, reinforcing market-oriented learning and mentoring.

To ensure the sustainability of Smart Step beyond its official duration, project partners collaboratively defined post-project action plans. These plans outline priority measures, governance structures and operational steps needed to maintain and further develop the incubation centres in the coming years.

Final Meeting and Event in Zaragoza

From 2 to 4 December, project partners from Europe and Africa gathered in Zaragoza for the final transnational meeting of Smart Step, hosted by Asociación Mundus. This meeting marked the formal closure of the project and provided an opportunity to review key results, share final action plans, and reflect on Smart Step’s long-term impact on entrepreneurship promotion and work-based learning across partner countries.

The programme included study visits to Zaragoza’s vibrant entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. Partners visited Etopia – Center for Art and Technology, a landmark for creativity and technological development, where they explored Zaragoza Activa, a public hub supporting social innovation and citizen entrepreneurship, as well as La Terminal, an incubator offering mentoring and collaborative learning opportunities for tech startups. The delegation also visited CIEM Zaragoza, managed by Grupo Init, which promotes open innovation and sustainable business development through collaboration between entrepreneurs, companies and researchers. These visits showcased how Zaragoza nurtures entrepreneurship through creativity, collaboration and community-driven approaches.

On the final day, the consortium reconvened at Etopia for a public round table on education and entrepreneurship. Representatives from the education and business sectors, together with stakeholders from Europe, Africa and the local ecosystem, discussed how educational pathways and entrepreneurial skills can be better aligned to create inclusive and innovative opportunities for young people.

Looking Ahead

While the Smart Step project officially comes to an end, its impact will continue through the partnerships, networks and entrepreneurial mindset developed throughout the project. The foundations laid during these years will support future initiatives, empower young entrepreneurs and contribute to sustainable development across partner countries.

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Zaragoza, Spain – December 4, 2025 – The Smart Step project officially wrapped up its activities with a dynamic final public event held at Etopia – Center for Art and Technology in Zaragoza, bringing together stakeholders from Europe and Africa to explore the link between education and entrepreneurship.

The event marked the culmination of the project’s final transnational meeting, hosted by Asociación Mundus, which ran from December 2 to 4. The first days focused on internal sessions where the consortium reviewed project results, shared action plans, and reflected on the long-term impact of Smart Step on entrepreneurship and work-based learning across partner countries.

Exploring Zaragoza’s Innovation Ecosystem

Partners also experienced Zaragoza’s thriving innovation landscape. Visits included:

• Etopia – Center for Art and Technology, a hub for creativity and technology.

• Zaragoza Activa, a public center fostering social innovation and citizen entrepreneurship.

• La Terminal, an incubator supporting tech startups through mentoring and collaborative learning.

• CIEM Zaragoza, led by Grupo Init, which promotes open innovation and sustainable business development by connecting entrepreneurs, companies, and researchers.

These visits highlighted Zaragoza as a model for cultivating entrepreneurial culture through creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.

Round Table: Connecting Education and Entrepreneurship

On the final day, the consortium returned to Etopia for a Round Table discussion, moderated by Oscar Morant, Vice-Rector of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). The panel brought together leaders from both the education and entrepreneurship sectors:

• Benedict Mensah (Ghana) – Research, Networking, and Advocacy Coordinator, Don Bosco Youth Network, West Africa (DBYN), offering the West African perspective on youth entrepreneurship and TVET.

• Javier Val Burillo (Spain) – Director of the Business, Employer Organizations, and Entrepreneurship Area at CEOE Aragón and CEOE Zaragoza, representing the local business ecosystem.

• Jorge Martín (Spain) – Coordinator of European Projects at Salesianos Zaragoza, sharing insights on VET education and school-based entrepreneurial learning.

The discussion explored how educational pathways and entrepreneurial ecosystems can better align, and how Europe and Africa can co-create opportunities that empower young people to turn ideas into real businesses.

A Legacy of Partnerships and Entrepreneurial Spirit

While the Smart Step project officially concludes, its impact continues through the networks, partnerships, and entrepreneurial mindset it fostered across Ghana, Cameroon, and Europe. The project has strengthened vocational education, introduced innovative teaching methodologies, and provided trainers and students with tools to build sustainable and inclusive businesses.

Smart Step leaves a lasting mark, demonstrating how cross-continental collaboration can transform education into a driver for innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world impact.

Zaragoza, Spain – December 2025 – The Smart Step project celebrated its final transnational meeting in Zaragoza this week, bringing together international partners from Europe and Africa to reflect on the achievements of the EU-funded Capacity Building in VET initiative. Hosted by Asociación Mundus, project coordinator, the event marks the closing chapter of a project that strengthened vocational education and entrepreneurship in Ghana and Cameroon.

Over three days, from December 2 to 4, partners from nine organizations across six countries – Spain, Belgium, Italy, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon – gathered to review project outcomes, share best practices, and plan the long-term impact of Smart Step on entrepreneurship and work-based learning.

From Internal Reflection to Zaragoza’s Innovation Ecosystem

The first day focused on internal sessions, where partners evaluated results, discussed action plans, and reflected on how Smart Step has equipped trainers and students with the tools to develop sustainable, inclusive business ideas.

The following days opened up to Zaragoza’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. Partners visited:

• Etopia – Center for Art and Technology, exploring creative and technological innovation.

• Zaragoza Activa, a public hub supporting social innovation and citizen entrepreneurship.

• La Terminal, an incubator offering mentoring and collaborative learning for tech startups.

• CIEM Zaragoza, led by Grupo Init, promoting open innovation and sustainable business development by connecting entrepreneurs, companies, and researchers.

These visits highlighted how Zaragoza fosters a strong culture of entrepreneurship through creativity, collaboration, and community engagement – providing valuable lessons for the Smart Step partners to carry forward in Africa and Europe.

Looking Ahead

The Zaragoza meeting set the stage for the project’s final public event on December 4, which will bring together companies, clusters, entrepreneurs, VET centers, and other educational institutions under the theme: “Connecting Africa and Europe for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”

SMART STEP has left a lasting mark by innovating teacher training, introducing new methodologies, and creating resources that empower young people in Ghana and Cameroon to pursue entrepreneurial ventures with confidence and sustainability.

The final meeting celebrated not only achievements and learnings, but also the vibrant collaboration between Africa and Europe that has made the project a success.

A new publication, “Smart Step Journey: Lessons from the Training of Trainers in Ghana and Cameroon”, is now available, offering a comprehensive look at the insights and outcomes of the recent vocational education initiatives.

Developed as part of Work Package 5 on Capacity Building for Entrepreneurship in VET, the document draws on the experiences of trainers, entrepreneurs, and experts who participated in the Training of Trainers programs in Accra, Ghana (May 5–9, 2025), and Yaoundé, Cameroon (June 9–13, 2025).

The publication highlights key lessons, practical resources, and strategies that emerged during the trainings, providing guidance on how to integrate entrepreneurship into vocational education programs effectively. A major focus is the Smart Step platform, the digital tool introduced during the trainings, designed to support ongoing entrepreneurial learning, mentoring, and collaboration.

Readers can explore insights on topics such as:

• Building and validating business models

• Financial and marketing strategies for SMEs

• Setting up incubators and mentorship programs

• Leveraging digital tools for entrepreneurial capacity building

The document serves as a valuable resource for trainers, educators, and institutions seeking to strengthen entrepreneurship education and align it with real-world market needs.

Discover the Smart Step journey and explore all the lessons from Ghana and Cameroon today! 

As we move forward into mid-2025, we are excited to present the fifth newsletter of the Smart Step project! This edition highlights the key milestones achieved during the last six months and gives a glimpse of the final activities ahead. Ready to catch up on our journey? Let’s get started!

What has happened in the last 6 months?

During the first half of the third year of the project, Smart Step African VET schools began the concrete implementation of entrepreneurial incubators within their institutions. Dedicated mentors were carefully selected and have been actively participating in capacity-building activities, including online training sessions and training-of-trainers seminars.

These training modules continue to strengthen essential entrepreneurial competences, covering topics such as:

• Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

• Business Modeling

• Validation Process

• Communicating and Protecting a Business

• Additional content on mentoring skills, incubator setup, and work-based learning resources

A major highlight of this period was the organisation of mobility training sessions in Ghana and Cameroon. Held in May and June 2025, these sessions brought together over 30 participants in each country, including teachers, young entrepreneurs, former students, business professionals, and representatives from educational institutions and public bodies. The exchanges fostered peer learning, practical insights, and strong collaboration between partners.

At the same time, mentors started working directly with students through one-to-one mentoring, thematic seminars, and practical guidance on launching business ideas, even with limited resources.

What is coming?

In the final phase of the project, Smart Step will focus on consolidating results and ensuring long-term impact through:

• Finalisation of entrepreneurial incubators in African VET schools

• A cycle of seminars addressing key entrepreneurial challenges

• Strengthening local and institutional partner networks

• Fostering connections between entrepreneurs, schools, and industry professionals

To close the project, a Final Event in Zaragoza will be organised, where Smart Step’s achievements, best practices, challenges, and future perspectives will be presented and collectively discussed.

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Accra, Ghana & Yaoundé, Cameroon – May–June 2025 – In a major push to strengthen vocational education in entrepreneurship, two intensive Training of Trainers (ToT) programs took place in West and Central Africa, bringing together trainers, entrepreneurs, and experts from Europe and Africa. The first training ran from May 5 to 9 in Accra, Ghana, and the second from June 9 to 13 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, fostering collaboration, innovation, and practical skills for the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

The trainings aimed to empower vocational trainers to integrate entrepreneurship into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, aligning education with real market needs and giving students the tools to build sustainable businesses.

Building Entrepreneurial Skills Across Borders

Participants explored a wide range of topics essential for modern entrepreneurship education, including business model creation and validation, marketing and financial strategies, incubator and mentorship setup, and microfinance opportunities for startups. The programs also emphasized sustainability, digital transformation, and international collaboration, equipping trainers with both theoretical frameworks and practical tools.

The initiative brought together leading experts and facilitators from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), CEA-PME, Mundus, APODISSI, and BVMW, alongside local entrepreneurs, business managers, and former students from Ghana and Cameroon. This mix of international expertise and local experience ensured that the trainings were both globally informed and locally relevant.

Digital Tools and Lifelong Learning

A key feature of both programs was the introduction of the Smart Step Online Platform, a digital tool designed to support ongoing entrepreneurial learning, mentoring, and collaboration. Trainers gained hands-on experience with the platform, preparing them to continue guiding their students beyond the classroom.

Impact and Future Outlook

The two programs represent more than short-term trainings—they are strategic steps toward long-term impact in African vocational education. By equipping trainers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to foster entrepreneurship, the project is helping create an ecosystem where vocational students can transform ideas into viable businesses, respond to local market demands, and explore international opportunities.

Graduation ceremonies, field visits, and cultural exchanges in both Accra and Yaoundé celebrated the knowledge sharing and partnerships built during the programs, signaling the start of a lasting collaborative network across Africa and Europe.

This initiative marks a milestone in vocational education, highlighting how targeted capacity-building programs can empower educators to shape the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Johannesburg, South Africa — During the EU–African SME Summit 2025, held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Giorgia Morossi of European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME presented the Smart Step Project, drawing attention to its role in strengthening education, skills development, and youth employability across Africa.

The third edition of the EU–African SME Summit brought together a dynamic mix of political leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem builders from both Africa and Europe. The event served as a strategic platform to explore how cross-continental cooperation, particularly through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Organised by European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME, Shared Value Africa, PACCI, and BVMW, the summit emphasized the importance of practical solutions that connect education systems to the real needs of the labour market.

One of the standout initiatives presented was Smart Step, an innovative project designed to bridge the gap between education and employment in Africa. By providing young people with market-relevant skills, entrepreneurial training, and digital tools, Smart Step aims to empower the next generation of African professionals and business leaders.

Speaking at the summit, Morossi highlighted how Smart Step responds directly to the challenges faced by African youth entering the workforce, offering a skills-driven pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic participation.

The event reaffirmed a shared conviction among participants: Africa’s greatest resource is its young population. With the right partnerships, investment, and innovation, youth-focused initiatives like Smart Step can play a pivotal role in shaping a future where economic development and social impact grow together.

As Europe and Africa continue to strengthen their collaboration, projects such as Smart Step demonstrate how education, entrepreneurship, and SME engagement can be powerful drivers of long-term prosperity on both continents.

As we step into 2025, we bring you the fourth newsletter of the Smart Step project! Here, you will discover what has happened in the last six months and what exciting activities are coming next. Are you ready to dive in? Keep reading!

What has happened in the last 6 months?

During this second year of the project, the Smart Step Partnership has been actively developing comprehensive training modules for teachers and students, which have been uploaded to the online platform. These modules are designed to equip individuals with essential entrepreneurial skills, covering:

• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
• Business Modeling
• Validation Process
• Communication & Protection

Additionally, the Smart Step project was presented in Accra during the African Skills Week event.

What is coming?

– Setting up incubators in African schools

Throughout 2025, African VET schools will integrate entrepreneurial incubators into their facilities. Mentors have already been selected and will receive training on the platform, as well as guidance on mentoring their students. The first online training session is scheduled for February 2025.

– Mobility Training Sessions in Ghana and Cameroon

In May and June 2025, two mobility training sessions will be held in Ghana and Cameroon.

– Final Event in Zaragoza

To conclude the project, a Final Event will take place in Zaragoza, where all results and achievements of Smart Step will be presented.

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