The Challenge of Modernizing Technical Facilities for Vocational Training in West Africa

Technical education and vocational training (TVET) are integral to the economic development of West Africa. As the region faces rapid population growth, urbanization, and increasing industrialization, the demand for a skilled workforce is higher than ever. However, the region is struggling with outdated infrastructure and insufficient resources for TVET programs. According to the World Bank, less than 4% of secondary school students are enrolled in formal TVET programs, and the gross enrollment rate in higher education is only around 11%, far below the 54% average in Latin America and the Caribbean and the 74% average in OECD countries.

The lack of adequate investment in updating training infrastructure hampers the quality of education, making it difficult for graduates to meet industry demands. Modernizing technical platforms is crucial for addressing these gaps, ensuring that TVET systems are responsive to the changing dynamics of labor markets, and providing students with practical, industry-relevant skills.