Christiani Africa Pty Ltd, represented by Harald Fleischmann and Tristan White, played an integral role in the Ethiopian Agro-Processing Masterclass, held from 29 July to 2 August. This five-day intensive training programme, organised in collaboration with GOPA, GIZ, FOSH Africa and SAR Electronics, aimed to address the pressing needs of Ethiopia’s Agro-processing sector. The masterclass enhanced the skills and knowledge of industry professionals throughout Ethiopia, including machine operators, TVET trainers, welders, mechanics and production staff, equipping them with the tools necessary to improve operational efficiency and safety in their respective fields.

Harald Fleischmann (Managing Director)

The project leader, developed the overall training concept, structure and content of the masterclass. His experience in technical education and industry training enabled him to develop a curriculum that responded directly to the needs of Ethiopia’s Agro-processing sector. His approach started with a thorough analysis of the challenges facing the sector and the specific needs of the participants.

• Pre-training assessments: Harald ensured that before project commencement, that the project team had a clear outline of the skills that were required within the industry. He appointed the Managing Director of SAR Electronics to conduct expert site visits throughout the Ethiopian Agro-processing industry. These visits were critical in identifying operational challenges in the industry, such as outdated electrical standards, lack of local PLC expertise, and inefficient project management practices. He then used these insights to refine the training materials and ensure that the content directly applied to the participants’ daily working environment.
• Concept and curriculum development: Harald thereafter led the development of a curriculum focusing on the identified areas, such as electrical safety, automation and project management. These insights into the operational gaps within the Ethiopian industry guided the content of the training, ensuring it was both relevant and practical. The curriculum included theoretical sessions, hands-on workshops and practical exercises that were tailored to the specific challenges identified during pre-training site visits.

Tristan White (Senior Product Manager)

Was appointed to manage the training programme and provide technical training to the masterclass. His role was to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, particularly in the areas of project management and operational efficiency.

• Program Execution: During the Masterclass Mr. White coordinated with various industry experts and trainers, oversaw the day-to-day running of the training and ensured that participants were engaged and learning effectively. He was tasked to maintain the programme’s focus on practical skills that could be immediately applied in the participants’ workplaces.
• Project Management and Operational Efficiency Training: Tristan also delivered project management training, covering essential topics such as project planning, budgeting, risk management and the use of SMART objectives. Emphasising the importance of strategic planning and communication, ensuring that participants could apply these skills in their professional roles and, besides project management, focused on improving operational efficiency within participants’ workplaces.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Tristan was also tasked to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the sessions. He gathered feedback from participants, assessed their progress and made real-time adjustments to the programme to improve learning outcomes. His commitment to continuous improvement ensured that the training remained relevant and effective throughout the five days.

Christiani Africa’s involvement, particularly through the efforts of Harald Fleischmann and Tristan White, had a direct impact on the success of the Ethiopian Agro-Processing Masterclass. Participants not only improved their technical skills but also gained valuable insights into how these skills can improve efficiency and safety in their respective industries.

• Skills enhancement: Participants left the masterclass with enhanced skills in electrical systems, PLC programming and project management. The workshops, led by technical experts, allowed participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, increasing their confidence and competence in handling complex tasks.
• Industry relevance: The masterclass addressed specific industry needs, such as the need for improved electrical safety standards and the development of local expertise in automation and project management. By focusing on these areas, the training provided participants with the tools to drive improvements in their workplaces, potentially leading to greater efficiency, reduced reliance on foreign technical support and improved safety standards.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciations of the practical nature of the training and the expertise of the trainers. The interactive approach, combined with the tailored content, ensured that participants could fully engage with the material and see its relevance to their work.

Christiani Africa’s expertise and commitment to delivering high quality, relevant training was instrumental in the programme’s success. This initiative not only reinforced Christiani’s reputation as a leader in technical education, but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations to promote industrial development and technical education in Africa.