Strengthening the links between industry and academia for a sustainable textile sector that promotes circular economy in Sub-Saharan Africa (METODIC)
METODIC project seeks to address the significant environmental and skills gaps in the textile industry across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. These countries have seen substantial growth in the textile sector, yet face major challenges such as waste generation, pollution, and a lack of skilled labor in sustainable practices. By equipping students with green competences and fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry, METODIC aims to support the transition to a more sustainable and circular textile industry.
METODIC is a Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) Erasmus+ project. It brings together two EU universities from Greece and Belgium, a training and consultancy company from Greece, and seven universities from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda, all focusing on textile engineering and sustainability.
The main objective of the project is to enhance the capacity of Sub-Saharan African Higher Education Institutions in promoting sustainability and circular economy in the textile sector. This includes promoting collaboration between academia and industry, advancing digitalisation, and supporting internationalisation to align with global educational and environmental priorities.
The project will develop a new blended learning course at the Bachelor’s level, focused on “Sustainable and Circular Business Models in the Textile Industry.” It will also create Collaboration Centers in African higher education institutions (HEIs) to strengthen industry ties and provide practical training opportunities. Additionally, METODIC will promote internationalization and academic mobility to foster a more globally connected and sustainable education ecosystem.
Specific objectives:
- Enhance HEI students’ knowledge on sustainability and circular economy
METODIC will introduce a blended learning course to provide students with the necessary knowledge on sustainability and circular economy practices in the textile industry. - Establish lasting cooperation schemes between HEIs and the business sector
The project will develop collaboration roadmaps and facilitate internships and workshops, strengthening partnerships between universities and industry stakeholders. - Promoting internationalization of African HEIs
METODIC will introduce joint courses, interinstitutional mobility schemes, and international job shadowing opportunities to connect African HEIs with global best practices.
Partners: UNIWA (Greece), Ghent University (Belgium), IDEC SA (Greece), Technical University of Kenya, Busitema University (Uganda), Mekelle University (Ethiopia), Moi University (Kenya), Bahir Dar University (Ethiopia), Jimma University (Ethiopia), Kyambogo University (Uganda)
Further information
Acknowledgements
Funded by 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.
Project number: No. 101178999-METODIC-ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE
Contact
Prof. dr. ir Lieva Van Langenhove (Lieva.VanLangenhove@ugent.be)