Côte d’Ivoire’s FIMEC 2026 drives skills development to power economic growth

FIMEC 2026 unites leaders to align workforce skills with Côte d’Ivoire’s 2030 development goals

Abidjan — The second edition of the International Forum on Trades and Skills (FIMEC) opened today at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, marking a critical step toward realizing Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030 ambitions. Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé emphasized the forum’s pivotal role in bridging the gap between economic demands and the skills cultivated by training institutions.

The event, themed “Skills, Employment, and Economic Transformation in Africa: The Strategic Role of Vocational Training”, brings together policymakers, private sector leaders, educators, and development partners to forge collaborative solutions for employment, upskilling, and economic metamorphosis.

FIMEC 2026: A cornerstone for Côte d’Ivoire’s industrial and economic future

During the inauguration, Prime Minister Mambé underscored how the PND 2026-2030 seeks to fast-track industrialization, heighten economic competitiveness, nurture national champions, attract private capital, and generate over 3 million jobs by 2030. He framed skills development not merely as an educational policy but as a cornerstone of economic competitiveness: “Every investment in skills is an investment in corporate productivity, economic allure, and developmental sovereignty”.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming vocational training into a powerful engine for competitiveness, social inclusion, and sustainable wealth creation. “Our vision is to cultivate an ecosystem where vocational training aligns seamlessly with national priorities, bolsters business competitiveness, fuels innovation, and accelerates industrialization”, he stated.

Building a collaborative ecosystem for skills and opportunity

FIMEC 2026 serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue, uniting public authorities, private enterprises, training institutions, and development allies to co-create strategies addressing employment gaps, skill shortages, and economic transformation challenges. “Our mission is clear: to empower every young Ivorian with the competencies needed to thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress”, Mambé declared.

He highlighted the forum’s significance as a testament to Côte d’Ivoire’s dedication to human capital development as the bedrock of its socio-economic transformation. “Rapid global changes demand urgent adaptation. Economies are evolving; professions are being redefined. In this landscape, we must prioritize anticipation, innovation, and investment in our most valuable asset—our people—who will shape tomorrow’s Africa”.

The two-day event features high-level panels, interactive exhibitions, and collaborative workshops designed to foster actionable insights and partnerships.