The 2026/2027 Vocational Training Year was officially launched in Bamenda on October 21, 2026, by Interim Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, Mounouna Foutsou. The event took place at the Vocational Training Institute of Science and Technology, Mile 1, Bamenda. This year's theme, “Vocational Training: A Pillar for JEME programme (One Youth, One Trade, One Job),” highlights the government's focus on equipping young people with skills that meet labor market needs.
Minister Mounouna Foutsou emphasized that vocational training should enable every young person to master a trade that aligns with labor requirements. Bamenda was chosen to host the launch to consolidate vocational training provisions in all regions, considering local potentials and youth aspirations. The Minister's presence in the North West region, which has faced a crisis for ten years, underscores the government's commitment to regulating private vocational training and deploying technology to sustain training.
The state of private vocational training in the North West region was also highlighted during the event. Out of 176 identified institutions, 65 have authorizations, some with expired authorizations, and 14 operate illegally. Minister Foutsou announced a flagship project for vocational training in Atuakum Mezam, which includes constructing the Bamenda Vocational Training Centre for Renewable Energy on 6.5 hectares of secured land, with additional hectares donated.
The launch ceremony demonstrates the government's efforts to prioritize vocational training as a means of addressing employment and entrepreneurship challenges. By focusing on skills development, the government aims to create opportunities for young people to acquire qualifications that lead to employment and autonomy. The JEME programme is a key initiative in this regard, seeking to provide one youth with one trade and one job.
Minister Foutsou's initiative to regulate private vocational training institutions and deploy technology to sustain training amidst the crisis in the North West region is noteworthy. The construction of the Bamenda Vocational Training Centre for Renewable Energy is expected to provide training opportunities for youths in the region. This project aligns with the government's ambition to make vocational training a pillar for employment and entrepreneurship.
The event also underscores the importance of vocational training in promoting local development and addressing youth aspirations. By taking into account local potentials and youth aspirations, the government aims to create training programs that are relevant and effective. The launch of the 2026/2027 Vocational Training Year is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The government's commitment to vocational training is reflected in its efforts to consolidate provisions in all regions. The launch in Bamenda is a testament to this commitment, and the flagship project in Atuakum Mezam is expected to have a positive impact on the region. The government's focus on entrepreneurship and employment through vocational training is a welcome development, and its impact will be closely monitored.
Key points
- The 2026/2027 Vocational Training Year was launched in Bamenda, focusing on entrepreneurship and employment.
- Minister Mounouna Foutsou announced a flagship project for vocational training in Atuakum Mezam.
- The government aims to regulate private vocational training institutions and deploy technology to sustain training.
