Côte d’Ivoire: shaping workforce skills for economic growth at FIMEC 2026

Abidjan hosts pivotal skills development forum to align training with market needs

The second edition of the International Forum on Skills and Competencies (FIMEC) kicks off in Abidjan on July 15–16, 2026, under the patronage of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. This high-profile gathering aims to position vocational training as a key driver for employment, economic competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Côte d’Ivoire.

Organized by the National Agency for Vocational Training (AGEFOP) on behalf of the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, FIMEC 2026 centers on the theme: “skills, employment, and economic transformation in Africa: the strategic role of vocational training.”

Policy shift: integrating training, jobs, and worker protection

The timing of this forum is significant. The recent merger of vocational training under the same ministry responsible for employment and social protection reflects a government-wide push to create a unified public policy framework. This initiative links skills development, decent job creation, and worker safeguards, all designed to fuel human capital growth as a cornerstone of national development.

Spearheaded by President Alassane Ouattara and led by Minister Adama Kamara, this strategy aligns with the 2026–2030 National Development Plan (PND). Within this plan, human capital stands as a major pillar for structural economic transformation and long-term prosperity.

Investing in skills: turning funding into tangible growth

With over $80 billion in funding committed by technical and financial partners to implement the PND 2026–2030, developing a skilled workforce becomes essential. The goal is clear: convert financial investments into sustainable jobs, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity for all Ivorians.

Two days of dialogue, innovation, and action

FIMEC 2026 brings together a diverse range of stakeholders: government officials, ambassadors, international organization leaders, technical and financial partners, business executives, researchers, vocational training experts, and learners themselves. The agenda features high-level panels, masterclasses, technical workshops, live skill demonstrations, and dedicated networking spaces where companies and trainees can connect.

Discussions will focus on critical areas such as artificial intelligence integration, digital transformation, green skills, soft skills development, and the rapid evolution of job markets. The aim is to help youth, workers, and businesses adapt effectively to ongoing economic changes.

The forum will also showcase inspiring success stories of individuals whose careers have been transformed through vocational training. These examples highlight how targeted upskilling boosts employability, encourages entrepreneurship, and ensures that training programs meet real-world industry demands.