Improving vocational training in Benin

Context

Benin faces a high rate of youth unemployment, primarily due to the significant discrepancy between the vocational education system and the needs of the labour market. The vocational training system in Benin is not able to provide good quality or sufficient numbers of skilled workers to meet the requirements of the private sector.

To date, fewer than ten per cent of secondary school pupils complete their vocational school education. Although many young people enter into traditional apprenticeships, inadequate standards mean that this experience does not translate into employment in the formal economy.

The consequences of these deficits are unemployment, precarious employment relationships and low economic productivity. Women are particularly affected.

Objective

The institutional framework for formal vocational training that is aligned to the needs of the private sector has been optimised. 

Approach

The project promotes cooperation between governmental institutions, vocational training centres and the private sector in designing and assuring the quality of dual vocational training courses. To this end, it offers seminars, training courses and advisory services.

The project operates in three fields of activity, implemented in the areas of agriculture and renewable energy in five of the country’s departments (Atacora, Atlantique, Littoral, Mono, Ouémé).

• Firstly, the project is improving the steering capacity of public structures so that dual vocational training courses can be designed.
• Secondly, it is establishing cooperation mechanisms between representatives from the private sector and vocational training institutions so that they are able to implement the dual vocational training.
• The project is also piloting dual training courses in communities for nine different occupational fields.

Last update: June 2023​