GIZ country case studies on skills for the green and just economy (Brazil, Kenya, Pakistan)
Introduction
Paeradigms conducted research and developed country case studies providing evidence-based analysis of green skills and jobs across sectors. The studies examine policy frameworks, labour market trends, skills gaps, and solutions for human-centered transformation while addressing social equity and supporting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Paeradigms' research focused on Brazil (construction, particularly cement production), Kenya (transport and agriculture), and Pakistan (renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture). The studies form part of a flagship report launched at COP30 in November 2025 by the Global Initiative on Skills for the Just and Green Economy.
Objectives
1) Analyse climate, economic and social contexts in each country, identifying how sectors are expected to evolve and which employment opportunities and risks arise from the transition.
2) Map solutions across framework conditions, skills development systems, private sector engagement, labour market policy, institutional coordination, financing mechanisms and critical enablers for green skills development.
3) Provide labour market and skills-specific data through combined qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including econometric modelling where data permits.
4) Develop evidence-based recommendations for policymaking, private sector engagement and concrete actions in each country.
Outcome
1) Three country case studies analysing sectoral coordination, policy frameworks and employment trends in high-impact sectors: construction and cement production in Brazil; transport and agriculture in Kenya; and renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture in Pakistan.
2) Multi-country comparative analysis examining how skills development impacts economic transformation across the three national contexts, contributing to academic understanding of people-centred transition strategies.
3) Executive summaries synthesising key findings and recommendations for inclusion in the flagship report launched at COP30.
4) Presentation slides for each country and a final consolidated presentation on the three case studies for the Global Initiative.
Background
Limited national-level data on green jobs and skills needs in developing economies creates challenges for evidence-based policymaking. Sectoral education, labour market and climate strategies remain fragmented. These case studies address critical research gaps, supporting the Initiative’s objectives to raise awareness, identify scalable solutions and propose concrete action agendas for countries.
Approach
1)Conducting comprehensive desk research on existing studies, policies and data, prioritising key questions and methodologies according to research gaps and data availability.
2) Selecting two key sectors per country in coordination with GIZ based on their significance for job impacts within NDCs or national green transformation policies.
3) Applying qualitative methods including structured interviews and focus groups with government, private sector, civil society and regional stakeholders.
4) Using econometric modelling to analyse employment impacts, skills gaps and labour market shifts where data permitted.
