Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – On July 15, 2026, the International Forum on Trades and Skills (FIMEC) was highlighted as a critical catalyst for realizing the aspirations of the National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030. During the event at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé emphasized FIMEC’s role in sustainably aligning the nation’s economic demands with the proficiencies cultivated by its training sector.
The Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony of FIMEC’s second edition, which convened under the compelling 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, bolster our economy’s competitiveness, foster national industry leaders, boost private investments, and generate over 3 million employment opportunities by 2030,” stated Robert Beugré Mambé. He underscored that “from this vantage point, skills enhancement transcends mere training policy; it has evolved into a fundamental pillar of economic competitiveness. Every investment in developing capabilities represents an investment in the productivity of our enterprises, the appeal of our economy, and the sovereignty of our national progress.”
The Prime Minister affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to making essential investments to position vocational training as a genuine driver for competitiveness, social inclusion, and sustainable wealth creation. He articulated, “Our aspiration is to cultivate an ecosystem where vocational training fully supports national development priorities, reinforces corporate competitiveness, stimulates innovation, and significantly contributes to the industrialization of our economy.”
He further noted that FIMEC serves as a vital platform for dialogue among public authorities, the private sector, educational institutions, and development partners. This collaborative environment aims to forge unified solutions to pressing challenges in employment, professional qualification, and economic transformation.
“Our collective responsibility is to establish the conditions that empower every young person to acquire the essential capabilities needed to succeed, innovate, pursue entrepreneurship, and fully engage in their country’s advancement,” he continued. “This fundamental ambition steers the government’s actions, inspires the reforms we are implementing, and unites us all here today at FIMEC.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that hosting this second FIMEC event underscores Côte d’Ivoire’s steadfast commitment to making human capital development a cornerstone of its economic and social transformation strategy. He remarked, “The global landscape is rapidly changing. Economies are evolving, and professions are undergoing reinvention. Confronted with these shifts, our only recourse is to anticipate, innovate, and invest in our most invaluable asset: the women and men who will build the Africa of tomorrow. Together, let us ensure that skills become the primary engine of our competitiveness, our economic sovereignty, and our shared prosperity.”
The two-day agenda for this edition features a comprehensive program, including various exhibitions and high-level panel discussions.
