Five Professionals in Benin Earn Diplomas through VAE Program

The Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Benin) recently celebrated a significant milestone with five professionals completing the Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) program. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the CCI of the Burgundy metropolis, aims to recognize and certify the skills and expertise acquired by individuals through their professional experience. On November 13, 2026, these professionals presented their theses, marking the culmination of the program.

The VAE program is designed to provide professionals with the opportunity to validate their skills and know-how developed over the years in a company, with the goal of obtaining a diploma. According to Patrice ADJIWANOU, head of the Training Department at CCI Benin, the VAE is a certification process for individuals who have mastered a profession through their work experience but may not have a corresponding diploma. This program allows them to have their experience officially recognized and receive certification.

The five candidates, including Roméo SETON, a cash management officer at a bank, presented their theses to demonstrate their mastery of their respective professions. The evaluation process, led by a jury chaired by Olivier DALLA PIAZZA, director of the CCI Côte-d'Or Saône-et-Loire, focuses primarily on their professional competencies. The jury also assesses their ability to lead teams, manage projects, and contribute to their organization's economic development.

Roméo SETON, with 15 years of experience in various banking institutions, expressed his satisfaction with the program, praising its seriousness and the support he received throughout the process. He noted that the VAE program allowed him to enhance his professional capabilities, regain momentum in his work, and pursue his career with greater confidence. The program aims to contribute to the recognition of professional skills, promote human capital development, and improve enterprise performance.

The diplomas awarded to the candidates are French diplomas, as stated by Patrice ADJIWANOU. The VAE program is a joint initiative between the CCI Benin and the CCI of the Burgundy metropolis, with the support of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Strengthening and Accompaniment (IARE) and SmartCAMPUS of France. This collaboration underscores the commitment of these institutions to promoting professional development and recognizing acquired experience.

The success of the VAE program highlights the growing importance of recognizing and validating professional experience in Benin. By providing a formal recognition of skills and competencies, the program enables professionals to enhance their career prospects and contribute more effectively to their organizations. The CCI Benin plans to continue offering this program to support the development of human capital and improve the performance of enterprises in the country.

The VAE program has far-reaching implications for the professional development of individuals in Benin. As the country continues to invest in human capital development, initiatives like the VAE program will play a crucial role in promoting a culture of lifelong learning and skill recognition. By supporting the growth and development of its workforce, Benin can unlock new opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development.

Key points

• The VAE program is a collaboration between the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Benin) and the CCI of the Burgundy metropolis.
• Five professionals in Benin have completed the program and received diplomas.
• The program aims to recognize and certify the skills and expertise acquired by individuals through their professional experience.