The Chadian government has taken a significant step towards reforming its employment and vocational training sector. On October 2, 2026, the Minister of Public Service and Social Dialogue, Mbodou Mbami, and the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Vocational Training, Sitack Yombatina Béni, presided over the launch of the review process. The ceremony, held at the National Office for Employment Promotion (ONAPE), brought together representatives from the public administration, social partners, the private sector, and technical and financial partners.
The review process is being led by an inter-ministerial technical committee, which has been given six months to complete its task. The committee, comprising representatives from various government ministries, the presidency, and the prime minister's office, as well as social partners and private sector stakeholders, will assess the current policy and identify areas for improvement. According to Minister Mbami, the review is necessary due to the country's changing context, including a new constitution, decentralization, digital transformation, and evolving economic ambitions.
Chad faces significant challenges in the employment and vocational training sector. With a population of approximately 19 million, more than half of whom are under the age of 20, and a growth rate of 3% per annum, the country needs to create thousands of jobs every year. However, the labor market is dominated by the informal economy, with significant underemployment, particularly in rural areas, and a mismatch between the skills provided by training institutions and those required by the economy.
The current national employment and vocational training policy has been in place for some time, but the government has recognized the need for a review due to the changing context. The review will be based on three pillars: the President's political program, which prioritizes employment and vocational training; the National Development Plan "Tchad Connexion 2030"; and the recommendations of the first National Employment Forum, held in 2024.
The review process is expected to result in a new policy framework that addresses the country's employment and vocational training challenges. The government has formalized its commitment to the review through a joint decree, which establishes the inter-ministerial technical committee and defines its terms of reference. The committee's work will be crucial in shaping the future of employment and vocational training in Chad.
The committee responsible for the review comprises a range of stakeholders, including representatives from the presidency, the prime minister's office, and various government ministries, as well as social partners and private sector representatives. Its mission is to conduct a diagnostic review of the current policy, identify new opportunities, and develop a revised policy framework that addresses the country's employment and vocational training needs.
The successful implementation of the new policy will depend on the effective collaboration of all stakeholders, including government ministries, social partners, and private sector representatives. With a focus on creating a more inclusive and effective employment and vocational training system, the review process has the potential to make a significant impact on Chad's economic development and youth employment prospects.
Key points
- The review of Chad's national employment and vocational training policy aims to address the country's significant youth population and unemployment challenges.
- The inter-ministerial technical committee responsible for the review has been given six months to complete its task.
- The review process will be based on three pillars: the President's political program, the National Development Plan "Tchad Connexion 2030", and the recommendations of the first National Employment Forum.
