Mauritania's Minister of Vocational Training and Traditional Industry, Mohamed Mouloud Ould Ayeh, has initiated the new academic year 2026-2027. On October 5, 2026, he visited several vocational training institutions in Nouakchott to assess their readiness for the new academic year. The institutions visited included the Industrial Technical and Vocational Training School, the National Higher Institute of Technical Education, and the Technical and Vocational Training School for Construction and Public Works in the Riyadh district.
During his visit, the Minister also oversaw the competitive entrance exams for vocational training institutions. These exams are a crucial step for students seeking to enroll in these institutions. The Minister highlighted that the new academic year coincides with the final phase of entrance exams for vocational training institutions. Approximately 5,000 students are participating in these exams, competing for 2,600 available spots.
The Minister emphasized that the new academic year will witness a significant expansion in the capacity of vocational training institutions. The number of available spots has increased from around 23,000 last year to approximately 25,000 this year. This expansion aims to accommodate more students and provide them with the necessary skills and training.
For the first time, the new academic year will be launched under the aegis of the National Agency for Vocational Training. The agency is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the performance of vocational training institutions and accelerating the implementation of the National Vocational Training Strategy. This strategy aims to improve the quality of training and align it with the needs of the labor market.
The Minister highlighted the efforts made by the sector to improve the quality of training. He mentioned that several institutions obtained the international quality certification ISO 21001 last year. He expressed his hope that more institutions will achieve this certification in the current academic year.
The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the National Strategy aimed at training 115,000 young people in various fields of vocational training. This initiative is part of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani's pledge, which will be fulfilled by 2029. The Ministry will continue to work with various sectors and the private sector to achieve this goal.
The Minister was accompanied by several advisors and ministry officials during his visit. He was received by the governors of the Western and Southern Nouakchott regions at various stops during his tour. The Minister's visit demonstrates the government's commitment to vocational training and its role in the country's development.
Key points
- The new academic year will see an expansion in the capacity of vocational training institutions, with 25,000 available spots.
- The National Agency for Vocational Training will play a vital role in enhancing the performance of vocational training institutions.
- The government aims to train 115,000 young people in various fields of vocational training by 2029.
