Vocational training in the sector of renewable energies and energy efficiency in Côte d’Ivoire

According to GIZ, The government of Côte d’Ivoire plans to rapidly increase its electricity generation capacity by 2030, including by expanding the share of renewables to 42%, including 16% from non-hydro sources. Given that the current share of renewables in the power mix is less than 1%, the industry is expected to see significant growth, which will bring sizeable new job opportunities. Jobs in the solar power and biomass sectors are projected to grow by around 8 000 to 13 000 people by 2030 (compared to around 970 today). To take advantage of this opportunity, the government has plans to support young people entering the labour market, including by developing vocational training programmes in collaboration with the private sector. 

However, the renewables sector in Côte d’Ivoire has yet to develop more capacity and attract more funding for small and medium-sized enterprises. Moreover, teaching staff at public schools and universities would benefit from additional learning opportunities, and women are currently under-represented in technical training courses. In response, as part of the reform partnership between the government of Côte d’Ivoire and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) within the G20 Compact with Africa initiative, a project was launched to increase local technical expertise and management skills in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. The project, spanning 2019-2022, was undertaken in cooperation with the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Training and Apprenticeship, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Environment. The project bolsters the capabilities of teachers at vocational schools and universities, to allow them to support larger-scale dissemination of practical skills. It also advises vocational schools and universities on organisational areas that align training programmes with market needs. In addition, the programme facilitates dialogue and networking between the private sector and training organisations. Lastly, to foster market development, it promotes energy audits that can stimulate new projects and improves the capacities of banks to assess energy projects. As of May 2021, three cross-sectoral formats were established, and in 2020 45 companies had liaised with training institutions, while 37 teachers have received training in solar PV, energy efficiency and supporting skills. The project supports three public vocational training facilities in developing their offerings, while renewable energy and energy efficiency are being steadily integrated into the training curricula for jobs in the industrial and construction sectors. Around 400 workers, including 69 women, have received training. 

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