Côte d’Ivoire to host FIMEC 2026 for skill development and economic growth

Abidjan — The second edition of the International Forum for Trades and Skills (FIMEC) will take place on July 15 and 16 in Abidjan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. The event aims to position vocational training as a cornerstone for employment, economic competitiveness, and sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire.

The forum, organized by the National Agency for Vocational Training (AGEFOP) and supervised by the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, will center on the theme: “Skills, Employment, and Economic Transformation in Africa: The Strategic Role of Vocational Training.”

Driving a unified skills and employment strategy

This year’s FIMEC comes at a pivotal moment following the integration of vocational training under the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training. This restructuring reflects the government’s commitment to a cohesive public policy that aligns training, decent employment, and worker protection to foster human capital development.

The initiative, championed by President Alassane Ouattara and led by Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training Adama Kamara, aligns with the 2026-2030 National Development Plan (PND), which prioritizes human capital as a key driver of structural economic transformation in Côte d’Ivoire.

The forum will bring together policymakers, diplomats, international partners, financial backers, business leaders, researchers, and vocational training stakeholders. Over two days, participants will engage in high-level panels, masterclasses, technical workshops, trade demonstrations, and direct interactions between businesses and learners.

Addressing future workforce challenges

Discussions will focus on critical areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, green skills, behavioral competencies (soft skills), and evolving job markets. The goal is to equip youth, workers, and businesses with the tools needed to navigate an ever-changing employment landscape.

The event will also showcase success stories of individuals whose careers have been shaped by vocational training, highlighting its impact on employability, entrepreneurship, and alignment between skills and business demands.

With over $80 billion mobilized by technical and financial partners to support the PND 2026-2030, skill development emerges as a vital catalyst for turning these investments into inclusive growth, sustainable jobs, and shared prosperity.