At the opening of the second edition of the International Forum on Trades and Skills ( FIMEC 2026 ), the Minister of Technical Education, Vocational Training and Apprenticeship, Adama Kamara , reaffirmed the firm commitment of the Ivorian government to transform the training sector to make it the engine of economic growth and youth employment.

The observation: Breaking industrial dependence

The minister offered a frank assessment of the country's industrial situation:

1. A lack of local skills: Ivory Coast remains heavily dependent on the importation of industrial equipment, due to a lack of qualified local technicians to design, manufacture, repair and maintain these technologies.
2. A sovereignty imperative: To reverse this trend, the acquisition of technical skills must now be considered as a development lever as crucial as the construction of physical infrastructure.

Learning at the heart of the strategy

To address this shortage of skilled labor, the government is focusing on concrete solutions rooted in the realities of the job market:

1. Apprenticeship training centers (CFA): Master Adama Kamara strongly encouraged young people to turn to these establishments which guarantee the acquisition of practical skills directly sought by companies.
2. The deployment of "factory schools": A true educational innovation, this model will allow learners to train directly in real production situations, thus guaranteeing their immediate employability upon completion of their course (whether to join a company or create their own business).

“These institutions offer you the opportunity to learn a practical trade, develop sought-after skills, and participate directly in the industrialization of our country.” — Adama Kamara , Minister of Technical Education

Looking to the future: Towards a White Paper

Under the theme "Skills, Employment and Economic Transformation in Africa: the strategic role of Vocational Training" , FIMEC 2026 brings together key players in the sector for two days in Abidjan.

The minister expressed his hope that these collective reflections would result in the drafting of a White Paper , containing strategic and pragmatic recommendations to accelerate the development of professional skills on the continent.