MOBILISE Project: Advancing circular talent development in climate-smart agriculture

Since its inception in June 2023, the EU-funded MOBILISE project has been making significant strides in establishing a circular talent development program aimed at strengthening climate-smart agriculture in Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Led by Maastricht School of Management (MSM) in collaboration with Aeres Green Education Group, the project has achieved several key milestones in its first year.

Project launch and initial activities

The project commenced with comprehensive scoping studies in each partner country to assess the horticultural sector's labour market needs and identify skill gaps as well as identifying migration policies. These studies have been instrumental in tailoring the project's approach to meet local demands effectively.​

In October 2023, official launch workshops were conducted in Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. These events brought together representatives from higher education institutions, private sector companies, and governmental bodies to discuss the project's objectives and foster collaboration. The workshops facilitated active debates on the design of the talent development program, emphasizing the importance of aligning training with the specific needs of the horticultural sector in each country.​

Successful completion of the first mobility program
One of the cornerstone components of the MOBILISE project is its international mobility program, designed to provide young professionals from Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia with practical, hands-on experience in the Dutch horticulture sector — a globally recognized leader in climate-smart and innovative agricultural practices. The first mobility phase, successfully carried out between July and September 2024, marked a major milestone in the project’s ambition to bridge the gap between local educational systems and the dynamic needs of the labour market.

Over the course of three months, 37 selected trainees from local agricultural universities and technical institutes were matched with 20 Dutch horticultural companies specializing in sustainable production, greenhouse management, and high-tech solutions. Prior to their placements, participants received preparatory training covering intercultural communication, health and safety, and an introduction to the Dutch horticultural value chain. This ensured they could make the most of their time abroad and hit the ground running in their new work environments.

During the internships, the trainees were not only immersed in daily operations but also engaged in knowledge-sharing activities and mentorship, working alongside Dutch professionals and fellow interns on real-world challenges. They gained exposure to advanced horticultural techniques such as precision farming, circular water usage, post-harvest handling, and sustainable supply chain practices. For many, it was their first time working in such technologically advanced settings — an experience they described as transformative.

The mobility program concluded with a multi-day evaluation and reflection workshop organized by MSM and Aeres in the Netherlands. Here, trainees presented what they had learned, discussed how their skills could be applied back home, and co-developed suggestions to improve future mobility cycles. These reflections offered valuable input for strengthening the program’s long-term impact.

Dutch host companies also shared highly positive feedback, praising the professionalism, eagerness, and adaptability of the trainees. Many expressed interest in hosting future cohorts and highlighted the mutual benefits of the program, including the fresh perspectives and cultural insights brought in by the international participants.

This first successful round not only strengthened the international linkages between education and industry but also created a group of ambassadors for climate-smart agriculture in their home countries. As the project looks toward its second mobility phase, the lessons learned will be instrumental in further scaling and institutionalizing this circular talent development approach.

Impact and future directions

The MOBILISE project is fostering strong partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector, ensuring that the training programs are closely aligned with labour market needs. The insights gained from the initial scoping studies and the first mobility program have been invaluable in refining the project's approach.

Looking ahead, the project has started the pre-departure training programs in Egypt and Tunisia for the second intake of participants. Additionally, efforts are underway to recruit Dutch companies to host trainees, with placements expected from July to September 2025. These activities aim to build upon the successes of the first year, further enhancing the skills and employability of young professionals in the horticultural sector. ​

In parallel, return programmes were launched in all three partner countries, offering entrepreneurship training, career guidance, and business ideation support for returning trainees. In Tunisia and Ethiopia, these programmes were delivered in collaboration with local partners, including the Mediterranean School of Business (MSB) and Hawassa University’s incubator. The project also launched new partnerships, such as with Heliopolis University in Egypt, where a pilot group of students is being prepared for the second mobility phase.

To stay up to date with the progress and impact of the MOBILISE project, register for the quarterly newsletter or visit the MOBILISE website.

The Migration Partnership Facility
This news item has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility. The contents of this news item are the sole responsibility of the Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht University and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and the one of ICMPD.

MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies

The MOBILISE project is part of MSM’s Expert Centre on Emerging Economies (ECEE) and exemplifies MSM's commitment to fostering international collaboration and developing sustainable solutions in climate-smart agriculture. By bridging the gap between education and industry, the project contributes to the creation of a skilled workforce capable of addressing the challenges of modern agriculture.​

The ECEE 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.