The National Agency for Vocational Training (AGEFOP) in Côte d’Ivoire has released a groundbreaking study identifying the country’s real-time skill demands, marking a pivotal step in aligning youth competencies with economic needs. The findings were unveiled in Abidjan on June 18, 2026, during a high-profile presentation of the Passeport-Compétences national program.
The initial phase of this comprehensive study was conducted in three key regions: South-Comoé, Yopougon municipality, and the Savannah District. Over 800 formal and informal sector entities participated, providing critical data to shape future employment strategies. This pilot phase now paves the way for nationwide implementation.
bridging the skills gap with data-driven insights
Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé, President of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC), emphasized the study’s transformative potential. ‘This initiative moves beyond theoretical ideals to deliver measurable solutions by grounding employment strategies in real workforce data,’ he stated. ‘It’s not just about matching skills to jobs—it’s about building a future where every young Ivorian has a clear path to economic participation.’
The CESEC leader highlighted President Alassane Ouattara’s long-standing commitment to youth employability, calling the report ‘a compass for future public policies in vocational training.’ The study’s findings will directly inform adjustments to training curricula, ensuring they reflect employer demands across sectors and regions.
a new era for vocational training and informal sector validation
Minister of Employment, Social Protection and Vocational Training, Maître Adama Kamara, framed the initiative as more than a corrective measure—it’s a catalyst for growth. ‘We’re not fixing a broken system; we’re accelerating progress so that Côte d’Ivoire’s economic expansion translates into high-quality jobs,’ he explained.
The Passeport-Compétences program has four core objectives: nationwide skill-needs assessment, targeted training and job placement, validation of informal workers’ experience, and strengthening ties between businesses, local governments, and training institutions. ‘The data we collect will allow us to refine training programs, redirect resources to high-demand sectors, and formally recognize the expertise of informal workers—giving them the dignity and opportunities they deserve,’ the minister noted.
Karitia Coulibaly De Medeiros, AGEFOP’s Director-General, underscored the program’s strategic vision. ‘Vocational training is no longer an afterthought—it’s the backbone of national competitiveness, job creation, and sustainable prosperity,’ she asserted. ‘This program redefines how we connect training, local economies, and employment by starting with ground realities: the actual needs of businesses, evolving industries, and future skill requirements.’
She added, ‘By uniting businesses, local authorities, training centers, and communities, we’re creating a unified ecosystem where skills become a strategic asset for the nation. Each Ivorian’s potential should translate into recognized competence—and that competence should open doors to stable employment and economic independence.’
The Passeport-Compétences initiative, launched in March 2025 in Grand-Bassam, is a cornerstone of Côte d’Ivoire’s human capital development strategy. Its goal is to equip the workforce with the skills needed for long-term career success, ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible opportunities for all.