Improving vocational training in Benin

Context

Many young people in Benin are unemployed because the vocational training system does not match skills with labour market needs. The system does not produce enough workers equipped with the necessary skills.

Fewer than 10 per cent of the trainees complete their vocational training. Although many do join traditional apprenticeship training, they are unable to find employment in the formal sector because of low training standards. Women suffer the most.

The consequences are unemployment or precarious work in addition to low economic productivity. 

Objective

The vocational training system offers formal training tailored to the needs of the economy. 

Approach

Cooperation between government institutions, vocational training centres and the private sector improves the implementation and quality of dual vocational training programmes. The project offers training and advice in this regard.

The project operates in seven départements in the country (Atacora, Atlantique, Borgou, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Ouémé). The focus is on agriculture, renewable energy, digitalisation and other fast-growing sectors. The four fields of activity are:

• Strengthening the capacities of public and private structures for designing dual vocational training courses.
• Establishing new partnerships between the business sector and vocational training institutes for the implementation of the dual vocational training programmes.
• Developing new dual training programmes in the départements for 20 occupations.
• Other services for career counselling make it easier for young people to enter the job market.

Stand: ​February 2025