FIMEC 2026: Côte d’Ivoire bets on skills to power economic growth

Abidjan hosts pivotal forum to bridge skills gaps and boost employment

The FIMEC 2026—the second International Forum on Trades and Skills—gets underway on July 15–16 in Abidjan under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. This high-profile event aims to position vocational training as a cornerstone for employment, economic competitiveness, and sustainable development 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, the forum adopts the theme: “Skills, Employment, and Economic Transformation in Africa: The Strategic Role of Vocational Training.”

Reform-driven alignment: linking skills to economic priorities

The timing of FIMEC 2026 is no coincidence. It follows a government restructuring that merged vocational training under the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training—a bold move signaling a unified public policy approach. This integration is designed to align skills development with job creation, decent work standards, and workforce protection, all geared toward building a stronger human capital base.

The initiative reflects the vision of President Alassane Ouattara and is championed by the Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, Adama Kamara. It directly supports the 2026–2030 National Development Plan (PND), which identifies human capital as a key driver of structural economic transformation in Côte d’Ivoire.

With over $80 billion in technical and financial support committed to the PND, the ability to develop relevant skills is now seen as essential to converting these investments into inclusive growth, sustainable jobs, and shared prosperity.

Two days of strategic dialogue and hands-on learning

FIMEC 2026 will convene government leaders, ambassadors, international development partners, business executives, researchers, and vocational training stakeholders for a packed agenda. The program features high-level panels, masterclasses, technical workshops, live trade demonstrations, and dedicated networking sessions between companies and trainees.

Discussions will focus on critical topics such as artificial intelligence integration, digital transformation, green skills, soft skills development, and evolving job market demands. The goal is to equip young people, workers, and businesses with the tools needed to adapt to rapid changes in the employment landscape.

The forum will also spotlight success stories of individuals—both men and women—whose careers have been transformed through vocational training. These real-life examples will highlight how targeted skills programs enhance employability, foster entrepreneurship, and ensure that training programs stay closely aligned with industry needs.