The assignment will cover two primary phases:

·       Phase 1: Needs Assessment of TVET Colleges and

·       Phase 2: Development of a Business Model for Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Centers.

The consulting firm is expected to deliver a comprehensive assessment of the status and capacity of TVET colleges in Eswatini to train technicians on refrigeration, refrigerant handling, and HCFC phase-out, while also establishing a financially viable and sustainable business model for refrigerant recovery and recycling centers. This work aligns with the national objectives under the Montreal Protocol for HCFC phase-out by 2030.

The assignment covers two primary phases:

·       Phase 1: Needs Assessment of TVET Colleges and

·       Phase 2: Development of a Business Model for Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Centers.

The consulting firm is expected to deliver a comprehensive assessment of the status and capacity of TVET colleges in Eswatini to train technicians on refrigeration, refrigerant handling, and HCFC phase-out, while also establishing a financially viable and sustainable business model for refrigerant recovery and recycling centers. This work aligns with the national objectives under the Montreal Protocol for HCFC phase-out by 2030.

Phase 1: Needs Assessment of TVET Colleges

1. Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness, and Training Coverage
• Assess the knowledge and awareness levels on refrigerant handling, focusing on HCFCs and the impact of the Montreal Protocol’s phase-out requirements.
• Review the content of existing refrigeration training curricula to determine its relevance to industry standards and needs, including HCFC alternatives.
• Identify existing training on refrigerant recovery, recycling, and safe disposal and highlight areas needing enhancement.
2. Evaluation of Infrastructure and Machinery
• Inspect infrastructure and machinery related to refrigeration training to assess their adequacy for supporting low-GWP refrigerant handling and recovery.
• Examine existing refrigeration workshops and supporting labs (e.g., mechanical, and electrical labs) for applicability, relevance, and potential scalability.
3. Assessment of Safety and Security Measures
• Review the safety protocols and security measures in place within the colleges, ensuring compliance with industry standards for refrigerant handling and storage.
4. Evaluation of Instructors and Trainers
• Assess the qualifications, experience, and industry exposure of technical and vocational instructors in refrigeration, particularly their knowledge of the Montreal Protocol and HCFC phase-out needs.
• Determine the capacity of the instructors to deliver comprehensive, compliant training on refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling.
5. Capacity Analysis for Training Programs
• Evaluate the capacity of each college in terms of the number of students or technicians trained per cohort.
• Review the structure of curricula and training delivery models, identifying areas for improvement to align with industry requirements.
6. Assessment of Administrative and Legal Framework
• Gather information on the administrative structure, ownership, governance, and legal standing of the colleges.
• Document existing partnerships, MoUs, and collaborations with industry stakeholders relevant to the refrigerant sector.
7. Evaluation of Training Workshops and Support Labs
• Assess the relevance and capacity of existing training workshops for scaling to a comprehensive refrigeration program.
• Review the supporting labs for mechanical and electrical engineering to ensure they support refrigeration training needs holistically.

 Phase 2: Development of a Business Model for Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Centres

1. Criteria for Selection of Anchor Training Colleges
• Develop criteria to select colleges that could serve as anchor institutions for expert training and knowledge dissemination on refrigerant recovery, recycling, and HCFC phase-out.
• Assess each college’s potential to support national refrigerant recovery and recycling efforts.
2. Design of Business Structure and Operational Framework
• Outline the ownership model for the recovery and recycling centres, considering partnerships with government, private sector, or public-private partnership (PPP) models.
• Develop an operational framework detailing roles, responsibilities, and business processes, including collection, storage, and recycling of refrigerants.
3. Value Chain and Market Mapping
• Identify key stakeholders across the refrigerant recovery value chain, including suppliers, service providers, clients, and regulatory bodies.
• Map out potential clientele (domestic, commercial, industrial sectors) and define the market structure and value.
4. Site and Equipment Specifications
• Recommend suitable locations for the recovery and recycling centres based on proximity to target industries, population centres, and accessibility.
• Identify necessary equipment, including size, type, and specifications, required for the operations of the centres.
5. Scope of Activities and Sustainability Framework
• Define the core activities for the centres, including refrigerant collection, recycling, storage, and resale, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
• Develop a sustainability framework that considers financial, environmental, and social factors to maintain the long-term viability of the centres.
6. Revenue Streams and Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis, identifying potential revenue streams, operational costs, maintenance expenses, and pricing strategies.
• Outline how the centres can be financially sustainable while delivering value to the industry and adhering to HCFC phase-out targets.
7. Risk Analysis and Mitigation Strategy
• Identify potential challenges and risks (e.g., funding, market demand, regulatory changes) associated with the business model.
• Propose mitigation measures to address identified risks and ensure resilience in operations.
8. Rollout and Implementation Plan
• Provide a phased implementation plan detailing short, medium, and long-term steps to operationalize the centres.
• Outline three implementation options with associated benefits, challenges, and feasibility.
9. Maintenance, Management, and Scaling Considerations
• Develop a plan for routine maintenance, resource management, and quality assurance to ensure operational efficiency.
• Suggest business management strategies and potential for scaling operations to meet increasing demands or expand to additional regions.
10. Costing and Financial Projections
• Prepare financial projections and estimate the initial investment, operational costs, and potential revenue generation.
• Include a funding model, considering possible sources both public and private investments.
11. Final Report and Recommendations
• Consolidate findings from both phases into a final report.
• Provide strategic recommendations for the implementation of the needs assessment and business model to ensure the centres align with Eswatini’s HCFC phase-out strategy and Montreal Protocol commitments.

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