Technology Transfer
Delivering proven technologies and technical expertise for the environmentally sound management of hazardous chemicals and waste — through hands-on projects, pilot programmes, and regional cooperation across Africa.
The Africa Institute is committed to closing the gap between international environmental agreements and on-the-ground implementation. We do not just train — we transfer real technologies and operational systems that countries can deploy, maintain, and scale. From PCB disposal infrastructure and mercury management systems to artisanal mining reform and circular economy pilots, our technology transfer programmes equip African nations to meet their convention obligations in practice.
How We Transfer Technology
Four interconnected modes of delivery — combining knowledge, practice, guidance, and implementation to embed lasting change in member states.
Training Workshops
Hands-on technical training on specific waste streams and management technologies
Information Dissemination
Sharing technical guidelines, best practices, and operational materials
Technical Consulting
Expert advisory support embedded within country-level project implementation
Pilot Projects
Demonstrating management solutions for priority waste streams in real conditions
Technology Transfer Services
Practical, targeted support across the full lifecycle of chemical and waste management technology — from acquisition to sustained operation.
PCB Management Technology
End-to-end support for the environmentally sound disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls — from inventory assessment through transformer management to final destruction, aligned with Stockholm Convention obligations.
Mercury Reduction Systems
Transferring mercury-free and mercury-reduced alternatives for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and supporting countries to develop National Action Plans under the Minamata Convention.
Circular Economy Solutions
Promoting circular economy models in sectors such as textiles and garments — reducing chemical and waste burdens while creating economic opportunities in manufacturing industries.
NIP Development Support
Assisting parties to the Stockholm Convention to develop and update National Implementation Plans (NIPs) to address new POPs listings — translating commitments into technically sound action plans.
Waste Infrastructure Development
Supporting the design and commissioning of appropriate hazardous waste management facilities — from storage and treatment to final disposal — suited to national capacity and resources.
Health & Environment Observatories
Establishing integrated monitoring systems to track chemical exposures and environmental contamination — providing the evidence base for targeted technology interventions and policy responses.
Active Regional Projects
Technology transfer delivered through major multi-country programmes — each addressing a specific convention obligation or waste challenge.
SADC PCBs Elimination Project
Environmentally sound disposal of PCB oils in transformers and capacitors across 12 Southern African countries including Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others. Commenced 2016.
SA PCB Project
Environmentally Sound Management and Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Republic of South Africa, in compliance with Stockholm Convention elimination obligations. Ongoing since 2020.
National Implementation Plans (NIPs)
Assisting Uganda, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Gambia to update their NIPs to incorporate newly listed persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Circular Economy in Textiles
Promoting circular economy in the textile and garment sector through sustainable management of chemicals and waste in Lesotho, Madagascar, South Africa, and Ethiopia.
African ChemObs
Integrated Health and Environment Observatories and legal/institutional strengthening for sound chemicals management in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — including DDT stockpile disposal in Ethiopia.
Mercury Initial Assessment
Creating an enabling environment for early Minamata Convention implementation in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, and Namibia — assessing mercury sources, uses, and release pathways.
NAP-ASGM
Development of National Action Plans for Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining in Burundi, Congo, Central African Republic, Kenya, Eswatini, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Small Grants Programmes
Collaboration with Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Convention Secretariats to implement targeted small-grant projects in selected countries for improved hazardous waste management outcomes.
Specific Transfer Activities
The operational mechanisms through which technology and knowledge are transferred from the Institute to member states and project beneficiaries.
Training Workshops
Intensive technical workshops that combine classroom learning with hands-on equipment operation and site-based demonstration.
Seminars
Expert-led seminars bringing together government officials, industry, and practitioners to share knowledge on emerging technologies and management solutions.
Pilot Projects
Real-world demonstration projects on the management of priority waste streams — proving technologies at scale before national rollout.
Guidelines & Information Materials
Production of technical guidelines, operational manuals, and reference materials that support sustained use of transferred technologies after project completion.
Our Technical Foundation
Two complementary strengths that make our technology transfer effective — deep domain expertise combined with engaging, innovative delivery.
Expert Technical Staff
Our technology transfer is delivered by specialists highly skilled in hazardous and other waste management and maintenance — providing the backbone of our consulting and project implementation services.
- Waste stream specialists — deep expertise in PCBs, POPs, mercury, ASGM, and emerging chemical concerns
- Convention-literate advisors — grounded in Basel, Stockholm, Rotterdam, and Minamata obligations
- Infrastructure engineers — experience in waste facility design, operations, and commissioning
- Regulatory experts — supporting the legal and institutional dimensions of technology adoption
- Field project managers — experienced in complex, multi-country implementation
- M&E specialists — ensuring measurable outcomes and lessons-learned documentation
Creative Innovation Team
A creative, innovative technology team brings training and knowledge transfer to clients in a highly engaging, entertaining, and effective methodology — ensuring uptake and long-term retention.
- Blended learning design — combining in-person, online, and on-site modalities
- Scenario-based training — real-world simulations tailored to country contexts
- Study tours and exchanges — connecting practitioners with best-practice sites regionally and globally
- Train-the-trainer cascades — building national multipliers for sustainable capacity
- Digital resource development — e-learning modules, technical videos, and interactive tools
- Community of practice facilitation — peer-learning networks for ongoing knowledge exchange
Technology Transfer Process
A structured cycle that ensures technologies are not just introduced — but adopted, operated, and sustained at the national level.
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Needs & Gap Assessment
Identifying the specific technology gaps, priority waste streams, and capacity constraints in each country — ensuring interventions address real operational challenges.
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Technology Identification & Selection
Matching proven, appropriate technologies to country-specific contexts — considering existing infrastructure, financial capacity, and technical skill levels.
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Pilot Demonstration
Implementing and demonstrating selected technologies through structured pilot projects — validating performance, refining processes, and building national confidence.
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Capacity Building & Training
Training operators, technicians, and managers in the use and maintenance of transferred technologies — building the human capital needed for sustained operation.
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Documentation & Guideline Production
Capturing operational knowledge in guidelines, manuals, and reference materials — ensuring institutional memory is preserved beyond individual project lifespans.
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Scale-Up & Replication Support
Supporting countries to scale successful pilots nationally and share learning with neighbouring states through South-South cooperation and regional knowledge exchange.
Ready to transfer technology to your country?
Contact the Africa Institute Secretariat to discuss a technology transfer project, pilot programme, or technical consulting engagement tailored to your national priorities.
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