Fimec propels Côte d’Ivoire’s national development and skills agenda
Abidjan, July 15, 2026 – The International Forum on Trades and Skills (FIMEC) stands as a pivotal instrument for realizing the ambitious goals of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030. This initiative effectively bridges the gap between the economy’s evolving demands and the competencies fostered by our training sector, as articulated by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during his address at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan.
The Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony of the second edition of FIMEC, which convened under the pertinent theme: “Skills, employment, and economic transformation in Africa: the strategic role of vocational training.”
“The National Development Plan 2026-2030 is designed to accelerate industrialization, enhance our economy’s competitive edge, nurture national champions, attract greater private investment, and generate over 3 million jobs by the year 2030,” Prime Minister Mambé emphasized. “Within this strategic framework, skills development transcends mere training policy; it has become a fundamental pillar of economic competitiveness. Every investment directed towards skills is, in essence, an investment in the productivity of our enterprises, the appeal of our economy, and the sovereignty of our development endeavors.”
He affirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to continue making the necessary investments to transform vocational training into a powerful catalyst for competitiveness, social inclusion, and sustainable wealth creation. “Our aspiration is to cultivate an ecosystem where vocational training fully aligns with national development priorities, bolsters corporate competitiveness, stimulates innovation, and significantly contributes to the industrialization of our economy,” he stated.
For Prime Minister Mambé, FIMEC provides a crucial platform for dialogue among public authorities, the private sector, training institutions, and development partners. This collaborative space is essential for forging concerted responses to the pressing challenges of employment, qualification, and economic transformation.
“Our collective responsibility is to cultivate an environment where every young person can acquire the essential skills to succeed, innovate, embark on entrepreneurial ventures, and actively participate in the advancement of their nation,” he further elaborated. “This profound ambition underpins the government’s actions, inspires the reforms we are implementing, and unites us today around the FIMEC.”
He underscored that the staging of this second FIMEC edition vividly demonstrates Côte d’Ivoire’s persistent commitment to making human capital development a cornerstone of its economic and social transformation strategy. “The global landscape is undergoing rapid evolution. Economies are transforming at an unprecedented pace. Professions are constantly reinventing themselves,” he observed. “In the face of these profound shifts, we have no alternative but to anticipate, innovate, and invest in our most invaluable asset: the women and men who will shape Africa’s future. Together, let us elevate skills to be the foremost engine of our competitiveness, our economic sovereignty, and our shared prosperity.”
The two-day agenda for this edition features a rich program including extensive exhibitions and high-level panel discussions.
