First advanced training course in Cape Verde

The AGRI-COOL project is pleased to announce a fully funded, in-person training workshop dedicated to sustainable agriculture and cold-chain solutions in Africa.

This intensive training forms part of AGRI-COOL’s capacity-building activities and aims to strengthen African expertise in sustainable, climate-resilient food systems by combining agriculture, energy, and cooling technologies.

Workshop objectives

The workshop aims to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical understanding of:

• Sustainable and climate-resilient farming systems

• Off-grid renewable energy solutions for agricultural applications

• Cold-chain and cooling technologies to reduce post-harvest losses

• Integrated food–energy–water approaches for rural development

The training will adopt a multidisciplinary perspective, combining technical, economic, and systems-level approaches, with a strong focus on real-world applicability in African contexts.

Training programme overview

Participants will take part in an intensive programme covering:

• Core concepts of sustainable farming and the food–energy–water nexus

• Agrivoltaics and renewable energy systems for agricultural use

• Cold storage and cooling solutions for smallholder and emerging farmers

• Techno-economic analysis, business models, and social aspects of technology adoption

The programme is designed for participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds and will include lectures, case studies, interactive sessions, and applied discussions.

Time and location

• Dates: 11–16 October 2026

• Location: Santa Maria, Sal Island, Cape Verde

Target participants

Applications are open to candidates from across Africa, with particular encouragement for applicants from North, Central and West Africa. Eligible applicants should meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Hold a Master’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Cold-Chain Logistics, Sustainable Farming, Cooling Technologies, Renewable Energy Studies, or related fields; or

• Hold a postgraduate degree in a relevant field combined with demonstrated professional experience (e.g. farm management, agri-business, energy systems, cold-chain operations).

Costs and funding

Participation in the workshop is fully funded by the AGRI-COOL project, covering:

• Economy-class return flights from the participant’s international airport to Sal Island

• Accommodation and meals

• Local transport on Sal Island

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1. Certified copies of relevant academic degree(s)

2. Proof of English language proficiency

3. A motivation letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the workshop and its relevance to their academic or professional goals

Applications should be sent by email to:
Yolanda Lethatha – ylethatha@uwc.ac.za
Subject line: “AGRI-COOL Workshop”

• Application deadline: 28 February 2026

• Selection criteria: Educational background, quality of the motivation letter, and, if required, an online interview.

This workshop represents a unique opportunity for motivated professionals and researchers to contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture and cooling solutions across Africa while engaging with leading experts and peers from across the continent.