A United Front in Addressing Youth Unemployment
On June 17, 2025, a pivotal meeting took place in Plateau, Ivory Coast, gathering key representatives from the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service, alongside the Ministry of State Properties, Portfolio, and Public Enterprises. This strategic collaboration aims to harness the capability of public enterprises in the campaign against youth unemployment, a major concern in the country. For the year 2025 alone, approximately 102,000 opportunities for professional integration, including internships and training programs, have been earmarked.
The Gravity of Youth Unemployment in Ivory Coast
Youth unemployment in Ivory Coast has reached alarming levels, with rates exceeding 30% among those under 35. The economic and social implications of this are profound, prompting decisive action from governmental bodies. Recognizing the strategic advantage of public enterprises, the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service is working in concert with the Ministry of State Properties and Public Enterprises to devise effective strategies that could significantly enhance the employability of Ivorian youth.
Public Enterprises as Catalysts for Employment
“The public enterprises fall under our oversight, and they can be crucial instruments in providing internships and employment,” stated Moussa Sanogo, Minister of Public Enterprises. The emphasis is on creating practical pathways into the workforce for the youth, ranging from qualification stages to in-company immersions and direct employment. Additionally, fiscal incentives are being offered to public enterprises that extend classic contracts or apprenticeships, aligning with national employment policies.
Cross-Ministry Collaboration: A Renewed Vigor
“We have sought collaboration with our colleague in charge of the state portfolio to mobilize more public enterprises,” declared Mamadou Touré, Minister of Youth Promotion and Professional Integration. This initiative underscores a patriotic call for public entities to support the government’s employment policies actively. The commitment to collective endeavors with public enterprises forms a crucial component of this effort, promising a potential turning point in the ongoing battle against youth unemployment.
Looking Ahead: Government Programs and Ambitions
Various incentives and frameworks have been established to enhance the employability of Ivorian youths. Among these is the Government’s Youth Program (PJGouv), initiated in 2023, involving collaboration across 21 sectoral ministries with an ambitious target of integrating 1.5 million young people into the workforce by 2025. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the critical role of strategic governmental actions and integrated policy-making in creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for the young population.