Zaragoza, Spain – December 2025 – The Smart Step project celebrated its final transnational meeting in Zaragoza this week, bringing together international partners from Europe and Africa to reflect on the achievements of the EU-funded Capacity Building in VET initiative. Hosted by Asociación Mundus, project coordinator, the event marks the closing chapter of a project that strengthened vocational education and entrepreneurship in Ghana and Cameroon.

Over three days, from December 2 to 4, partners from nine organizations across six countries – Spain, Belgium, Italy, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon – gathered to review project outcomes, share best practices, and plan the long-term impact of Smart Step on entrepreneurship and work-based learning.

From Internal Reflection to Zaragoza’s Innovation Ecosystem

The first day focused on internal sessions, where partners evaluated results, discussed action plans, and reflected on how Smart Step has equipped trainers and students with the tools to develop sustainable, inclusive business ideas.

The following days opened up to Zaragoza’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. Partners visited:

• Etopia – Center for Art and Technology, exploring creative and technological innovation.

• Zaragoza Activa, a public hub supporting social innovation and citizen entrepreneurship.

• La Terminal, an incubator offering mentoring and collaborative learning for tech startups.

• CIEM Zaragoza, led by Grupo Init, promoting open innovation and sustainable business development by connecting entrepreneurs, companies, and researchers.

These visits highlighted how Zaragoza fosters a strong culture of entrepreneurship through creativity, collaboration, and community engagement – providing valuable lessons for the Smart Step partners to carry forward in Africa and Europe.

Looking Ahead

The Zaragoza meeting set the stage for the project’s final public event on December 4, which will bring together companies, clusters, entrepreneurs, VET centers, and other educational institutions under the theme: “Connecting Africa and Europe for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”

SMART STEP has left a lasting mark by innovating teacher training, introducing new methodologies, and creating resources that empower young people in Ghana and Cameroon to pursue entrepreneurial ventures with confidence and sustainability.

The final meeting celebrated not only achievements and learnings, but also the vibrant collaboration between Africa and Europe that has made the project a success.