The Centre de formation professionnelle (CFP) de Missabougou in Mali has marked 20 years of providing vocational training to young people, with a focus on craftsmanship, construction, and agriculture. Since its establishment in 2006, the center has trained over 6,798 apprentices, with a notable 87.11% employment rate in 2024. This achievement was celebrated during a commemorative ceremony presided over by Adama Cissouma, Secretary General of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization.
The CFP de Missabougou was created by decree on August 3, 2006, with the goal of providing young people with skills in various trades. The center offers training in areas such as craftsmanship, construction, and agro-sylvo-pastoralism. Its success has led to its selection as one of eight institutions in the UEMOA region to pilot the community college concept. This initiative aims to address youth unemployment and underemployment.
Adama Cissouma emphasized the importance of vocational training in enabling young people to secure employment and contribute to the economy. He noted that a skilled young person not only earns a living but also supports their family, trains apprentices, and contributes to public revenue. Cissouma also highlighted the government's focus on human capital development as a priority in the 2024-2033 National Strategy for Emergence and Sustainable Development.
The center's director, Touré Diahara Drahamane, expressed her gratitude for the progress made, citing the commitment of the staff and the support of partners. She noted that the center has evolved from a community-based institution to a sub-regional player, with 923 partnerships with companies. In 2024, the center's post-training follow-up system recorded 826 graduates who had secured employment, internships, or started their own businesses.
Marc Dabo, an agent from the Commune VI mayor's office, praised the quality of training provided by the center, citing his visit to workshops in carpentry, renewable energy, and electricity. He observed the dedication of trainers and apprentices in acquiring practical skills. The celebration included musical performances, sketches, and testimonials about the center's journey, followed by a guided tour of the facilities.
The CFP de Missabougou's achievements have been recognized as a model for youth empowerment in the region. The center's success in providing vocational training and promoting employment has contributed to the country's efforts to address youth unemployment and underemployment. The government's commitment to human capital development and vocational training is expected to continue, with initiatives like the FIER II project aiming to train 7,000 young people and finance 5,052 projects in 2027.
As the CFP de Missabougou looks to the future, it is poised to continue playing a vital role in empowering young people in Mali and the wider UEMOA region. With its focus on practical skills training and partnerships with companies, the center is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and the economy as a whole. The government's continued support for vocational training initiatives like the CFP de Missabougou will be crucial in sustaining this progress.
Key points
- The CFP de Missabougou has trained over 6,798 young people in vocational skills since its establishment in 2006.
- The center has achieved an employment rate of 87.11% among its graduates in 2024.
- The Malian government has prioritized human capital development and vocational training as key strategies for addressing youth unemployment and underemployment.
