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At the core of this initiative is an innovative idea: modular 3x3 meter shipping containers reimagined as multifunctional community hubs. These compact yet powerful units are not only e-waste collection points but also serve as electronics repair workshops and affordable sales centers. They are solar powered, digitally connected, and fully equipped, offering local technicians and entrepreneurs a platform to thrive.
ERG, a licensed e-waste recycling company, brings years of experience in sustainable waste management and community training to the table. Their work has already seen over 10,000 devices recycled and more than 1,000 individuals trained. With SesaTec, ERG is scaling this impact through a franchise model that creates jobs, strengthens Ghana’s circular economy, and raises public awareness about responsible disposal practices.
“At ERG, we view e-waste not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity to create something meaningful. Through our partnership with Swisscontact Ghana, we are making refurbished tech devices and consumer electronics accessible and affordable for Ghanaians.
Additionally, we are committed to repairing and collecting discarded electronics in every community where we have established a Sesatec Hub. Our goal is to create platforms that promote skills development, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility.
This partnership with Swisscontact Ghana gives us the momentum to scale our vision and prove that the circular economy can be a powerful driver of social impact. We’re proud to be part of this journey toward a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive future.” - Nana Yaw Konadu – CEO of ERG.
One of the early franchisees, Samuel Annor Osafo, shared his experience:
“Thanks to Swisscontact through the SesaTec Youth Entrepreneurship Program, I was able to launch my very own electronics sales shop in Accra and employ an additional 3 workers. This grant came at a crucial time when access to capital was my biggest challenge. With the funds and business support from the program, I stocked up on high-demand gadgets and accessories and invested in branding and marketing to reach more customers.
Beyond the financial support, the mentorship and training provided by the program helped me refine my business plan and understand how to manage daily operations more efficiently. Today, I not only run a growing business, but I also feel empowered to support my community through job creation and quality service. I’m incredibly grateful to Swisscontact for believing in my vision and investing in the future of young Ghanaian entrepreneurs.”
SC Ghana, through the Green Economy Project (GEP) which falls under the Renewable Energy sector of SC Ghana’s Umbrella Approach, plays a significant in focusing on green energy solution and supporting Ghana’s transition to a low-carbon economy. GEP is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
Swisscontact Ghana is supporting the pilot by providing 12 containers of electronic waste to kick-start the initiative and help test the viability and scalability of the model, ensuring the approach is not just environmentally sound but also socially and economically sustainable.
The first phase in 2025 of the Sesa Tec Hub will focus on suburban areas in Greater Accra, Bono East and Eastern regions, with pilot locations identified in Madina, Nkoranza, and Akropong. Each container creates four local jobs in sales, installation, and maintenance of electronic and solar equipment. Based on promising early results and a growing customer base, the model will expand to include solar equipment sales, installation, and maintenance.
Key Services Offered at Sesa Tec Hubs:
The Sesa Tec Hub model is designed to evolve from basic electronics sales & repair services into fully equipped solar service centres, accelerating the adoption of renewable energy. As part of its long-term vision, the model will expand beyond electronics repair to focus on solar energy installation and maintenance, ensuring reliable access to renewable energy in underserved areas. The Sesa Tec Hub will provide rural communities with dedicated solar services, supporting long-term functionality and sustainability. Once operational, the container shop will create four jobs, which could be filled by co-owners sharing responsibilities or by a single owner employing three staff members. The team will typically include a salesperson, a phone repair technician, an electrician, and a solar energy specialist, each contributing their expertise to the business.
While starting small scale, the initiative is also designed for nationwide scalability, aiming to grow from an initial twelve hubs to 2,000 locations. This expansion will create a widespread network of accessible renewable energy solutions, making affordable solar technology available across Ghana. Future developments will include integrating advanced green energy services such as solar battery storage and micro-grid connections, further strengthening energy resilience and promoting sustainable power solutions.
SesaTec will be rolled out in phases, starting with a feasibility study that includes community engagement, technical training, and behavior analysis. A key component of the pilot is understanding how to integrate e-waste recovery into the everyday life of entrepreneurs, technicians, and customers, creating a seamless loop between sales, repair, and recycling.
More than a recycling project, SesaTec is a proof-of-concept for how local innovation, international collaboration, and environmental responsibility can converge to spark meaningful change. With plans to scale up to 2,000 container hubs across Ghana, the project has the potential to redefine how communities interact with technology, waste, and opportunity.
As Swisscontact and ERG continue to refine this model, one thing is clear: the future of recycling in Ghana isn’t just about waste, it’s about value. And in these 3x3 meter hubs, value is exactly what’s being built.
At Swisscontact Ghana, we are dedicated to fostering long-term strategic partnerships as a means to address global development challenges. Aligned with the global Swisscontact Strategy 2028, we apply the Umbrella Approach—an inclusive model that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and transparency. This approach enables us to form meaningful partnerships, pilot and scale effective solutions, enhance coordination, and deepen engagement across various sectors.