Abidjan, 14 July 2026 — The second edition of the International Forum on Skills and Competencies (FIMEC) kicks off tomorrow in Abidjan, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. The event’s core mission is to position vocational training as a cornerstone for job creation, economic resilience, and sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire.
The two-day forum is hosted by the National Agency for Vocational Training (AGEFOP) in partnership with the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training. Under the guiding theme « Skills, Employment, and Economic Transformation in Africa: The Strategic Role of Vocational Training », the gathering aims to bridge the gap between workforce skills and market demands while fostering inclusive growth.
a strategic shift in workforce development
The timing of FIMEC 2026 is significant. It follows a major government restructuring that placed vocational training under the same ministry responsible for employment and social protection. This consolidation reflects a deliberate push to create a unified workforce development strategy—one that links training programs directly to job placement, worker protection, and long-term economic transformation.
The initiative aligns with President Alassane Ouattara’s vision, as outlined in the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030. The plan identifies human capital as a critical driver of structural economic change, with vocational training positioned as a key enabler of this transition.
investing in skills for shared prosperity
With over 80 billion US dollars in financing committed by technical and financial partners to support the PND, the stakes are high. The transformation of these investments into tangible outcomes—steady employment, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity—hinges on the ability to cultivate a workforce that meets evolving industry needs.
what to expect at the forum
FIMEC 2026 will feature a dynamic program designed to foster dialogue and collaboration. High-level panels will bring together government officials, international diplomats, business executives, researchers, and training professionals. Masterclasses, technical workshops, and live skill demonstrations will provide hands-on insights into emerging trends.
Discussions will focus on critical areas such as:
- Artificial intelligence and digital transformation — preparing workers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
- Green skills — equipping industries for a sustainable future
- Soft skills development — enhancing leadership, communication, and adaptability
- Career evolution — anticipating job market shifts and new occupational demands
The forum will also highlight success stories of individuals who have leveraged vocational training to launch careers, start businesses, or secure stable employment. These real-world examples underscore the direct link between targeted skills development and economic empowerment.
By fostering collaboration between educators, employers, and policymakers, FIMEC 2026 aims to create a skills ecosystem that not only responds to today’s challenges but anticipates the needs of tomorrow’s economy.