The Agence nationale de la formation professionnelle (AGEFOP) has initiated a sensitization campaign in Vavoua, Côte d'Ivoire, to introduce the national "Passeport-compétences" program. On October 1, 2026, authorities, representatives of various professions, and Chamber of Trades and Agricultural Cooperatives officials gathered at the Vavoua sub-prefecture's meeting room. The program aims to identify enterprises' skills needs and train youth to meet those needs.
Kakou Hyppolite, the mission chief and director general of AGEFOP, explained that the program involves identifying active enterprises in Vavoua, listing their job offerings, and determining the required skills. This information will guide training toward real employment market needs. Another aspect of the program targets the informal sector, focusing on identifying workers, enhancing their knowledge and skills, and providing a certificate of competence.
The Passeport-compétences program targets several sectors, including construction and public works (BTP), tourism, hospitality, catering, automotive mechanics, and agriculture. Representative Kouakou Kouassi André Eugène, secretary general of the Vavoua prefecture, praised the initiative and encouraged youth and professionals to seize this opportunity to align their skills with enterprise needs.
The program reflects the government's efforts to structure informal sector professions, promote formalization, facilitate youth employment, and address enterprise demands for qualified labor. The sensitization phase, concluding on October 2, will be followed by field surveys and studies starting October 5. AGEFOP teams will conduct a prospective study in Vavoua department localities over two to three weeks.
Chiefs and community leaders present were tasked with sensitizing youth and job seekers in their communities to facilitate AGEFOP teams' work. They expressed support for and willingness to accompany the program's implementation in Vavoua department. This initiative is expected to improve youth employability and address skills gaps in local enterprises.
The Passeport-compétences program has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a vital step toward addressing employment challenges in Côte d'Ivoire. By engaging with local communities and enterprises, AGEFOP aims to design targeted training programs that meet the needs of the labor market. This approach is expected to enhance the employability of young people and contribute to the country's economic growth.
As the program advances, its impact on Vavoua's employment landscape will be closely monitored. With the support of local leaders and stakeholders, AGEFOP is poised to make a positive difference in the lives of young people and the local economy. The success of Passeport-compétences could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions of Côte d'Ivoire.
Key points
- AGEFOP launches Passeport-compétences program to address skills needs of enterprises in Vavoua, Côte d'Ivoire.
- The program targets several sectors, including construction, tourism, and agriculture.
- The initiative aims to improve youth employability and address skills gaps in local enterprises.
