Côte d’Ivoire gears up for FIMEC 2026 to bridge skills gap and boost economy

Forum international des métiers et des compétences 2026: A strategic push for professional training in Côte d’Ivoire

The second edition of the International Forum on Trades and Skills (FIMEC) is set to take place in Abidjan on July 15-16, 2026, under the high patronage of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé. This high-profile event aims to position professional training as a cornerstone for employment, economic competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Côte d’Ivoire.

The forum, organized by the National Agency for Vocational Training (AGEFOP), falls under the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training. Its guiding theme, “Skills, Employment, and Economic Transformation in Africa: The Strategic Role of Vocational Training”, reflects a bold vision to align workforce capabilities with the evolving demands of the economy.

Aligning skills with economic transformation

The timing of FIMEC 2026 is no coincidence. It follows a significant governmental reform that merged vocational training under the Ministry of Employment, signaling a unified approach to skills development, decent employment, and worker protection. This initiative is deeply rooted in the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, which identifies human capital as a key driver of structural economic change in Côte d’Ivoire.

Under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara and spearheaded by Minister Adama Kamara, the government has prioritized vocational training as a catalyst for inclusive growth. With over $80 billion mobilized by technical and financial partners to support the PND, the development of relevant skills has become essential to convert these investments into sustainable jobs and shared prosperity.

Key discussions and innovative formats

Over two days, FIMEC 2026 will convene a diverse array of stakeholders: government officials, diplomats, international organization leaders, corporate executives, researchers, vocational training experts, and learners. The event will feature a rich program including:

• High-level panel discussions on pressing topics such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, green skills, and soft skills.
• Masterclasses and technical workshops to equip participants with actionable insights.
• Live demonstrations showcasing emerging trades and evolving job roles.
• Networking platforms connecting businesses with aspiring professionals to foster direct collaboration.

The forum will also spotlight real-life success stories of individuals whose careers have been transformed through vocational training. These narratives will underscore the critical link between targeted skills acquisition, employability, entrepreneurship, and alignment with market demands.

The ultimate goal? To ensure Côte d’Ivoire’s workforce is future-ready, resilient, and capable of driving the nation’s economic ambitions forward.