ABIDJAN, April 22, 2024 – Côte d'Ivoire and Djibouti are taking steps to boost their professional training sectors. The two nations formalized a partnership agreement on Monday, April 22, 2024. The agreement was signed by N'Guessan Koffi, Ivorian Minister of Technical Education, Vocational Training and Apprenticeship, and Moustapha Mohamed Mahamoud, Djiboutian Minister of National Education and Vocational Training. This collaboration aims to facilitate an enriching exchange of experiences between the countries' learners and educators.
Elevating Professional Training: A Shared Vision
"This agreement paves the way for deepened cooperation in professional training. Our countries will exchange insights and best practices, enabling dual mobility," stated Minister N'Guessan Koffi. "Young Ivorians will benefit from Djibouti's expertise through internships, and vice versa."
Minister Koffi highlighted Côte d'Ivoire's successful track record in training Djiboutian professionals in statistics, law enforcement, and physical education. He expressed interest in learning from Djibouti's approach to "early exposure to professions for young students." The agreement also opens doors for Djiboutians seeking specialized training in industrial automation or other sectors in Côte d'Ivoire.
Mutual Benefits of the Ivory Coast Djibouti Professional Training Partnership
Djibouti's Minister Moustapha Mohamed Mahamoud praised Côte d'Ivoire's advancements in professional training, citing the Talent Academy and the Second Chance School as notable examples. "The Ivorian model is a source of inspiration. This agreement signifies a win-win scenario for South-South collaboration, benefiting our youth through the exchange of expertise," he remarked.
Minister Mahamoud indicated that the partnership would enable Djibouti to send educators to Côte d'Ivoire to undergo training-of-trainers programs. Furthermore, it will create pathways for Djiboutian learners to pursue studies in specialized fields unavailable in their home country.
Ivory Coast Djibouti Professional Training Partnership: Areas of Expertise
Djibouti holds valuable expertise that could prove beneficial to Côte d'Ivoire. Minister Mahamoud outlined specific areas, including innovative training centers and a unique three-year program incorporating one year of workplace immersion. Djibouti's trilingual apprenticeship system could be another point of interest for Côte d'Ivoire.
Fostering a Brighter Future Through Skills Development
This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing professional training opportunities for young people in both Côte d'Ivoire and Djibouti. Commenting on the agreement, an Ivorian student expressed, "Ah, ça c'est bon!* This makes me excited for the future. Maybe I can do an internship in Djibouti and learn new skills!"
By combining their strengths and sharing knowledge, the two countries demonstrate a commitment to building a skilled workforce that will fuel economic growth and well-being in their respective nations.
