www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2024 9
Training
THE GENESIS OF SIFA
By Eamonn Ryan
The Skills Initiative For Africa ( SIFA ) project , late last year hosted 40 – 45 visitors from various African countries for a tour of the ACRA ( Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy ) in Johannesburg , due to its status as a SIFArecognised Centre of Excellence for all Africa .
Cheryl James and Helene Charpentier of SIFA , responsible for technical and finance components respectively , were in attendance at the tour .
James described the genesis of the project , tracing its origin back to 2018 . “ The partnership , conceived during Dr Dlamini Zuma ' s tenure at the African Union Commission , aimed to tackle the pressing issue of unemployment among Africa ' s youth and the simultaneous scarcity of skilled professionals .” James highlighted the project ' s dual components : the funding arm managed by KfW and the technical component overseen by GIZ ( both German acronyms ).
Charpentier described the funding component , known as the FMT , involving grants provided to institutions in eight African countries , including Tunisia , Togo , Ghana , Ethiopia , Nigeria , Cameroon , Kenya and South Africa . “ These grants , managed through KfW , play a pivotal role in building and enhancing infrastructure to support skills development .”
James emphasised the pivotal role played by the technical component managed by GIZ , which collaborates closely with the African Union Commission and AUDA-NEPAD . “ The focus of this component is on shaping policy at the continental level . Notably , the project contributed to the creation of an African Continental Qualification Framework . This framework facilitates the recognition of qualifications across borders , aligning with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement .” One of the primary challenges addressed by SIFA is the mismatch between the skills taught by technical and vocational institutions and the needs of the labour market . James stressed the importance of training for employability rather than merely employment . The project aims to bridge this gap by engaging with the private sector to understand their needs and tailor training programmes accordingly .
James echoed sentiments shared by Grant in his presentation , highlighting that 60 – 70 % of workers across Africa are in the informal sector . The initiative aims to equip individuals with skills that enable them to start their own businesses , or contribute to community development , as much as to secure formal employment .
Charpentier explains that the project operates through three funding windows , catering to different scales of projects . Funding Window One and Two focus on larger initiatives , with grants totalling approximately EUR3-million , while Funding Window Three supports smaller , innovative projects with grants around EUR400 000 . The majority of funding goes into building and enhancing infrastructure ( such as the grant for ACRA ’ s new building in Midrand ), crucial for creating conducive environments for skills development . RACA
“ One of the primary challenges addressed by SIFA is the mismatch between the skills taught by technical and vocational institutions .”
All images by RACA Journal
ACRA MD Grant Laidlaw . Cheryl James and Helene Charpentier of SIFA . A demonstration of the workplace skills ACRA students acquire .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I March 2024 9