Expression of Interest – Circular Economy Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme for Business Support Organisations (BSOs) in East Africa

Join our information session on 15 July 2026 at 09:30 CEST / 10:30 East Africa Time (EAT) to learn more about the Circular Economy Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme for BSOs, the first co-hort in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) and the application process.

The programme is organised under the EU CERC Business Lab and implemented by Circle Economy Foundation.

About the programme

The Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme is designed for practitioners from Business Support Organisations who are looking to strengthen circular economy knowledge and application within their organisations and business networks.

Participants may either:

• Work directly with businesses and MSMEs to support the development and implementation of circular economy strategies and business models; or
• Focus on strengthening internal organisational capacity to deliver training, facilitate learning, and cascade circular economy knowledge across their networks.

The programme combines online training, expert insights from European circular economy initiatives, peer learning, practical tools, case studies, and follow-up support through webinars and Communities of Practice.

What participants will gain

Selected participants will:

• Build a strong understanding of circular economy principles and sector-specific applications;
• Develop either a business-focused support programme or an internal capacity-building plan, depending on their chosen pathway;
• Gain access to practical tools, methods, and frameworks to help businesses identify and implement circular opportunities;
• Strengthen their ability to deliver, replicate, and cascade circular economy knowledge within their organisations and networks;
• Exchange experiences and learn from peers across the region;

• Receive continued support through follow-up webinars and a Community of Practice.

Programme Structure

The programme will include:

• A short online orientation session and preparatory activities (August 2026);
• Two consecutive online training days (September 2026);
• Four follow-up support sessions over the subsequent months.

Participants will be assigned to one of two pathways:

Practitioner – Business Pathway

For organisations seeking to support businesses and MSMEs in developing and applying circular economy business models and identifying practical circular opportunities.

Internal Hub Capacity Pathway

For organisations seeking to strengthen internal circular economy knowledge-sharing, facilitation, and training capacity, enabling them to deliver and cascade learning across their networks.

Selection Process

Participation is competitive and subject to a selection process based on:

• Alignment with policy and ecosystem priorities
• Circular economy ambition and vision
• Inclusivity and stakeholder engagement
• Capacity to implement and scale
• Expected long-term ecosystem impact

Approximately 15 participants will be selected for the programme with 2 to 3 participants coming from each BSO (representing approximately 7–8 BSOs selected for the programme).

Information Session

📅 15 July 2026 🕘 09:30 CEST / 10:30 EAT

Join the webinar to learn more about the programme, eligibility criteria, selection process, and participant expectations. Register here.

Submit Your Expression of Interest

Interested organisations are invited to submit their Expression of Interest through the application form no later than: 24 July 2026, 15:00 Brussels time (CEST).

We look forward to receiving your application and supporting the growth of circular economy expertise across East Africa.