On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Abidjan at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé emphasized the crucial role of the International Forum on Trades and Skills (FIMEC). He stated that FIMEC acts as a fundamental catalyst for achieving the goals of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030 by strategically bridging the gap between economic demands and the competencies fostered within the nation’s training sector.

The Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony of the second FIMEC edition, which focused on the theme: “Skills, Employment, and Economic Transformation in Africa: The Strategic Role of Professional Training.”

Prime Minister Mambé further articulated that the National Development Plan 2026-2030 is designed to accelerate industrial growth, bolster the competitiveness of the Ivorian economy, foster national industry leaders, attract increased private investment, and generate over 3 million jobs by 2030. He underscored that, from this viewpoint, skills development transcends mere training policy; it has evolved into a vital economic competitiveness strategy. “Every investment in skills,” he asserted, “represents an investment in the productivity of our businesses, the allure of our economy, and the sovereignty of our development initiatives.”

He assured attendees that the government is resolutely committed to continuing essential investments aimed at transforming professional training into a genuine driver of competitiveness, social inclusion, and sustainable wealth creation. “Our aspiration,” he declared, “is to cultivate an ecosystem where professional training fully supports national development priorities, enhances business competitiveness, encourages innovation, and contributes significantly to the industrialization of our economy.”

According to the Prime Minister, FIMEC provides a crucial platform for dialogue among public authorities, the private sector, training institutions, and development partners. This collaborative environment aims to forge concerted solutions to the pressing challenges of employment, qualification, and economic transformation.

“Our collective responsibility,” he added, “is to establish the conditions enabling every young individual to acquire the essential skills needed to succeed, innovate, pursue entrepreneurship, and actively contribute to their nation’s progress. This profound ambition guides the government’s actions, inspires the reforms we are implementing, and brings us together today at FIMEC.”

He underscored that hosting this second FIMEC event demonstrates Côte d’Ivoire’s unwavering commitment to making human capital development a cornerstone of its economic and social transformation strategy. “The world is evolving rapidly,” he observed. “Economies are shifting, and professions are reinventing themselves. In the face of these profound changes, we have no alternative but to anticipate, innovate, and invest in our most valuable asset: the men and women who will build the Africa of tomorrow. Together, let us ensure that skills become the primary engine of our competitiveness, our economic sovereignty, and our shared prosperity.”

This two-day edition of FIMEC features a comprehensive agenda, including engaging exhibitions and insightful high-level panel discussions.