Groundbreaking study identifies key skills gaps in Côte d’Ivoire’s workforce
A groundbreaking study commissioned by Côte d’Ivoire’s National Agency for Professional Training (AGEFOP) has been unveiled in Abidjan, offering the first comprehensive mapping of skills shortages across the country’s job market. The Passeport-Compétences initiative, launched in March 2025, aims to bridge the persistent gap between educational outcomes and labor market needs.
The pilot phase of this nationwide skills assessment covered three critical regions: Sud-Comoé, the bustling commune of Yopougon, and the Savanes District. Over 800 formal and informal sector entities participated in the study, providing real-time insights into the competencies most urgently required by employers.
From data to action: A national strategy for employability
Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé, President of the Economic, Social, Environmental, and Cultural Council (CESEC), emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative during the presentation. He described the study’s findings as a ‘’compass for future public policies’’ in professional training, asserting that the mismatch between skills and job requirements is no longer an intractable problem but a solvable challenge through evidence-based planning.
‘’The Passeport-Compétences program is more than a training initiative—it is a certification of experience. For the CESEC, this represents a milestone in human capital development. The study’s results will shape our strategies to ensure that every young Ivoirian’s skills translate into sustainable employment,’’ Dr. Aka Aouélé stated.
The program’s ambitions extend beyond traditional training models. It seeks to validate the skills of informal sector workers, align academic curricula with employer demands, and foster collaboration between businesses, local governments, and training institutions. Maître Adama Kamara, Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, highlighted the program’s role in turning economic growth into qualified employment opportunities.
Recognizing skills as a strategic national asset
Kartia Coulibaly De Medeiros, AGEFOP’s Director-General, framed the initiative as a paradigm shift in Côte d’Ivoire’s approach to vocational training. ‘’Vocational training is no longer a social expenditure—it is a strategic investment for national competitiveness, job creation, and inclusive growth,’’ she declared.
The program’s methodology prioritizes ground-level engagement, with researchers analyzing evolving industry trends, consulting businesses, and identifying both current and future skill demands. By integrating these findings into training programs, the initiative aims to create a ‘’common language’’ between employers, educational institutions, and policymakers, ensuring that skills development is both relevant and sustainable.
‘’Our goal is clear: to empower every Ivoirian to convert their potential into recognized competencies, transforming these skills into a passport to employment, economic independence, and dignity,’’ De Medeiros added.
A blueprint for national transformation
The Passeport-Compétences program is a cornerstone of Côte d’Ivoire’s broader human capital development strategy, launched in Grand-Bassam in 2025. Its phased rollout—beginning with pilot regions—will soon expand nationwide, with the study’s insights guiding resource allocation, curriculum adjustments, and targeted training initiatives in high-demand sectors.
By prioritizing data-driven policymaking and multi-stakeholder collaboration, Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s efforts to align education with economic realities, ensuring that its youth are equipped not just for today’s jobs, but for the economy of tomorrow.
