Advancing Digitalised TVET in Ethiopia: The Launch of the DESTA Initiative

Introduced in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS), the Government of Germany, the European Union (EU), and the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI), DESTA marks a new era in modern, technology-driven skills development aligned with national reform priorities. 

Supported under the broader Ethio–German Sustainable Training and Education Programme (STEP IV), DESTA brings together the financial resources of multiple development partners and the technical implementation expertise of GIZ, KfW, and EDUFI to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital transition in the TVET system. 

A Strategic Reform Milestone 

Speaking at the launch, H.E. Dr. Teshale Berecha, State Minister of Labor and Skills, underscored the transformative potential of the TVET sector in Ethiopia’s development agenda. He affirmed that "the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector serves as a core engine propelling our country’s journey toward prosperity." 

Dr. Teshale emphasized that DESTA represents a major milestone within STEP IV and a critical enabler of the Ministry’s new policy direction: "Digitalization is no longer a peripheral option but a foundational prerequisite for ensuring sustainable employment and national competitiveness." 

He further noted that the project is central to implementing the National TVET Strategy, which prioritizes a modern, responsive, and technologically advanced TVET system. "Our shared success depends entirely on the strategic clarity and commitment we establish together. Every planned activity must align with the Ministry’s reform agenda and deliver sustainable, measurable results for the true transformation of the sector," he added. 

Strengthening System Reform Through Team Europe Collaboration 

Representing the European Union Delegation to Ethiopia, Ms. Eva Junyent reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing commitment to strengthening Ethiopia’s skills ecosystem. She highlighted that DESTA is fully aligned with the National TVET Strategy’s pillars—system reform, infrastructure modernization, digitalization, and inclusive skills development. 

According to Eva, "the DESTA project will operationalize the priorities of the new TVET Strategy through synergy among interventions in digitalisation, institutional strengthening, and industrial-oriented skills development." She further emphasized that these efforts are vital for supporting Ethiopia’s broader industrialization goals, particularly in a youth-dominated labour market. 

Digital Transformation for Quality and Relevance 

Haikal El Abed, Component Manager for DESTA under GIZ STEP IV, outlined the project’s technical ambitions and its contribution to Ethiopia’s digital economy agenda.  

he DESTA project aims to achieve several key objectives: 

1. Improving Digital Infrastructure and Access: DESTA will modernize digital learning systems across TVET institutions, enhancing the infrastructure to support digital education.
2. Strengthening Digital Skills of Trainers: The project focuses on improving the pedagogical and digital competencies of TVET trainers, enabling them to effectively facilitate blended and technology-enhanced training.
3. Digital Skills and Entrepreneurship for Youth: DESTA supports digital innovation and entrepreneurship among Ethiopian youth, equipping them with high-quality digital and entrepreneurial skills.
4. Improving Employability of Youth through Private Sector Collaboration: The project aims to strengthen TVET–industry linkages, ensuring that the skills provided are relevant to the needs of the digital economy and facilitating employment opportunities for youth. 

He noted that, "DESTA will strengthen the quality and relevance of the TVET system to meet the skills needs of the digital economy and facilitate digital entrepreneurship across the sector." 

Finland’s Partnership on Digital Learning Excellence 

Representing EDUFI, Ms. Maria Biskop, Counsellor of Education, reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s digital learning transition. She emphasized that Finland views Ethiopia’s digital TVET reform as a shared development priority: "Finland remains strongly committed to supporting digital learning and strengthening the digital capacities of TVET trainers across Ethiopia." 

Finland’s involvement focuses particularly on improving the pedagogical and digital competencies of trainers, enabling them to effectively facilitate blended and technology-enhanced training. 

A Future-Ready TVET System for Ethiopia 

The launch of DESTA represents a pivotal step in Ethiopia’s broader reform of the TVET sector. By modernizing digital learning infrastructure, advancing system reform, and expanding inclusive digital and technical skills, DESTA strengthens the foundations for a responsive, industry-relevant, and future-ready TVET system. The €21 million DESTA project will be implemented in Addis Ababa, Oromia, Somali, Afar, and Tigray regions in Ethiopia. 

The overall EU- and EU-Member States support under this new initiative strategically combines financing support implemented by KfW and technical support implemented by GIZ and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (MFA Finland)/ Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). The technical support of the DESTA project is co-financed by the German Government, Finland, and the European Union. This joint approach brings together complementary financing instruments and technical expertise to ensure strategic and coherent support as Team Europe. 

With its focus on digital learning, entrepreneurship, and stronger linkages between TVET institutions and industry, DESTA aims to ensure that Ethiopian youth are equipped with the skills demanded by today’s—and tomorrow’s—digital economy. 

Text : Daniel Zemichal (GIZ STEP IV) and  Dereje Demeke (MoLS) 

Photos ©Dereje Demeke (MoLS)