PPDP for Renewable Energy Skills Training and Women Economic Empowerment

This program is a continuation of the previous intervention PPDP WEE & Renewable Energy (PlanIT 10576) implemented by ILO. The previous program faced implementing challenges as documented in the conclusion of performance (UM2017/08788/NAIR59) upon which ILO and Sida reached a mutual understanding that the program comes to end when the agreement ends in 31st March 2022. Program inception phase 1st July December 2022. The inception period was characterized by stakeholder consultation to set the ground for the implementation of the program. Having inherited the program from the previous implementing partner International Labour Organization (ILO), there was no official transfer of the program. This has been a challenge and NIS has had to rely on Sida staff and occasionally reach out to ILO staff who are unwilling to assist. To aid in the transition, NIS Foundation was required to carry out an audit of the program implementation and all the tools and equipment supplied, this was to get an understanding of the program investments and what was already procured. 1. Revised program document, work plan and budget to reflect dialogue and assessments done during the inception period. The consultation process continued with all stakeholders, it took longer than expected especially with private sectors, who were adamant to adapt to new implementing modalities as opposed to the initial arrangements agreed during the initial phase. Sida was informed of the delay and reasons thereof and agreed on a new date of 31st March 2023 when NIS will finalize and send the revised program document. 2. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with all parties involved FGS, selected private companies, and NIS Foundation. The MoU with all involved partners, FGS, FMS, BECO and NECSOM was finalized. The negotiations took longer than expected, owing to the undelivered promises from the initial program. The two private companies, stuck with the promises made during the 1st phase which were untenable and against Sida funding agreement with NIS Foundation. NIS has however maneuvered and have had all the MoUs signed, and signed copies sent to the sida for archiving. 3. Long term sustainability plan of the Training centers to ensure self sustaining institutions. The training centers had already diversified the courses offered, for example BTI and NTI had advertised for mechanical and plant engineering courses to diversify from electrical skills program. This is in line with sustainability discussions that were held by all stakeholders during the initial consultations and long term plans presented by the companies. NIS TVET expert is in close consultation with TVET centres and will support preparation of business plans for 5 years beyond project period to show how self sustainability can be established after finalizing updating of curriculum. 4. Gender assessment and strategy addressing challenges that inhibit women participation in energy sector. This was done, and findings presented and discussed with Sida gender expert. The findings will be incorporated in the work plan and budget. Key indicators have been identified. 5. Audit all the program assets and confirmation of all tools and equipment's delivered during the phase 1 of the program. NIS conducted an evaluation of the training centers and both showed different levels of preparedness. In general, NTI was better prepared for the program and had already enrolled students, BTI facilities were satisfactory, the equipment's had not been installed after years of waiting, this has however been resolved and all equipment's verified and installed. The Curriculum content needs to be improved and made more relevant, the technical drawing (and AutoCad) Basic ICT and English language skills, Occupational Safety, Labour Laws, Gender issues and core electrical skills T2 and T3 improved and additional skills training equipment acquired. The program is also exploring of linking with similar EU funded program, and there are potential for this program to be among the Team Europe Initiatives.

Objective of the intervention The program overall objective / Impact: The targeted Somali areas (Garowe / Puntland and Mogadishu / Benadir) experience increased socioeconomic growth due to improved access to a) solar electricity, b) local young men and women with requested / demanded technical qualifications, c) enterprises that offer delivery, installation, and maintenance of solar PV and other renewable energy equipment and d) more women are integrated in the economy thereby improved livelihood. Specific objective/ outcome 1: Electricity companies, other commercial enterprises and public entities have improved access to local labor men and women - with specialized technical skills for exploitation of solar and other renewable energy sources. Specific objective / outcome 2: Communities, including both businesses and private consumers, have better access to electricity based on solar PV and / or other renewable energy technologies. Specific objective / outcome 3: More women are integrated in the economy and experience greater economic empowerment and independence. Output 1: More young men and women have access to demand-driven technical skills training and mentoring in the market segment specializing in electricity production based on solar and other renewable energy sources. Output 2: More solar PV and other renewable energy systems for electricity production are being installed in commercial enterprises, public entities, and private homes. Output 3: More women entrepreneurs receive entrepreneurship training and other relevant support to initiate and / or expand their business and increase their revenues.