APODISSI is a Namibian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange, innovation and technology transfer between Europe and Africa, with offices in Namibia and Nigeria. The organisation has extensive experience in leading the communication, dissemination and exploitation of Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe projects while supporting capacity building across vocational education and training (TVET).
Through the SYNAPSE Project, APODISSI leads the Communication, Dissemination and Impact Work Package and contributes the Smart Step eLearning Platform, an innovative digital learning environment developed through an Erasmus+ project to support lifelong learning, systems thinking and digital skills development.
Margherita Trestini – Managing Director and Communication & Dissemination Lead
Margherita Trestini is an expert in technology transfer, vocational education and training (TVET), capacity building and digital innovation across Europe and Africa. She has extensive experience managing communication, dissemination and stakeholder engagement for European-funded initiatives, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe projects.
Her portfolio includes projects such as PRIDA (Policy and Regulation Initiative for Digital Africa), a joint initiative of the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), together with DIGILOGIC, RURALITIES, PrAEctICe, SMART STEP, GreenVETAfrica, SUSTAIN-IT and SYNAPSE. As Managing Director of APODISSI, she provides strategic leadership for communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement and project management, ensuring that project results achieve maximum visibility, impact and long-term sustainability.
Ina Willibard – Senior Communication and Dissemination Specialist
Ina Willibard leads the implementation of communication, dissemination and stakeholder engagement activities for the SYNAPSE Project in Namibia while supporting the continuous uptake and promotion of the Smart Step eLearning Platform. She coordinates national dissemination activities, monitors communication performance against project key performance indicators (KPIs) and works closely with consortium partners to maximise stakeholder engagement and the visibility of project results.
With more than 27 years of professional experience and 19 years as a soft skills trainer, Ina has extensive expertise in strategic communication, capacity building and entrepreneurship development. Prior to joining APODISSI, she served as Technical Advisor with GIZ Namibia, supporting the National Planning Commission (NPC) in coordinating Namibia’s implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her experience across both the public and private sectors continues to strengthen APODISSI’s contribution to digital innovation, vocational education and sustainable development.
When asked why the SYNAPSE Project is important to the institution, their response was:
“The SYNAPSE Project aligns closely with APODISSI‘s mission to strengthen knowledge exchange, digital innovation and capacity building between Europe and Africa. By leading the Communication, Dissemination and Impact Work Package, APODISSI contributes to increasing the visibility, accessibility and long-term sustainability of the project’s results while fostering collaboration across the consortium.
Through the continuous development and promotion of the Smart Step e-Learning Platform, SYNAPSE provides an opportunity to expand access to high-quality digital learning resources that strengthen systems thinking, leadership and intercultural collaboration. The project also reinforces APODISSI’s commitment to empowering young people, educators and facilitators with the competences needed to address complex societal challenges through inclusive, innovative and sustainable education.”