Advancing VET ecosystem development in Ghana through CBVET Training of Trainers
In March 2026, a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) was delivered in Ghana under the CBVET project, bringing together participants from Kwadaso Agricultural College (KAC) and Adidomefarm Institute (AFI). The training focused on strengthening capacities in VET ecosystem project management, sustainability, and scaling, building on earlier work around the triple helix approach and the ecosystem for employability model.
At the core of the programme was the use of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) as a practical tool to integrate earlier work on market studies, internships/apprenticeships, inclusivity, and blended learning into a coherent, sustainable VET ecosystem “business model”.
From strategy to implementation
The training followed a structured three-day approach. The first day focused on positioning VET institutions as drivers of regional ecosystems, helping participants define customer segments, value propositions, resources, and partnerships. The second day shifted to operationalization, translating market study findings into concrete income-generating services across three priority sectors: artificial pollination, home garden vegetables, and catfish production.
Using the BMC framework, participants developed full ecosystem business models, including marketing strategies, stakeholder engagement approaches, and financial sustainability components. The final day then focused on sustainability planning and scaling strategies, supporting participants in designing pathways to expand the ecosystem approach at regional and national levels.
Concrete outputs for sustainable impact
As a result of the training, both KAC and AFI developed strategic BMC for their VET ecosystems, alongside operational plans for income-generating services. Three draft ecosystem business plans were created, each linking services, partnerships, and revenue streams.
These outputs demonstrate a clear shift from theoretical understanding to practical application, with participants able to translate market insights into viable, sustainable ecosystem models that support employability and institutional development.
Looking ahead
The ToT confirmed that using real market study cases greatly increases ownership and practical relevance. At the same time, it highlighted the importance of continued support in areas such as financial planning, monitoring, and institutional embedding.
Participant feedback was highlighted as positive, with strong appreciation for the training’s practical relevance and interactive format. The mission has laid the groundwork for the next phase of the CBVET project, focusing on implementation, coaching, and the scaling of VET ecosystems.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies
This institutional collaboration project is part of MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies. The department is an expert centre on sustainable private sector development in emerging and developing markets. We capacitate managers and professionals from government, private sector, NGOs, and post-secondary education in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America. We offer consultancy and customized training programs, and we manage complex projects in key sectors, e.g. water, agriculture and health. For more information, click here.
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