Regional Workshop on Artificial Intelligence opens in Abidjan

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

A regional workshop focused on the integration of artificial intelligence in vocational training has opened in Abidjan-Cocody, bringing together close to one hundred participants from across Africa to examine how AI can strengthen skills development, youth employability and business competitiveness.

The two-day workshop is organized by the Vocational Training Development Fund (FDFP) under the auspices of the African Network of Vocational Training Institutions and Funds (RAFPRO). Held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Vocational Training: Issues and Challenges on Skills, Employability and Business Competitiveness,” the forum seeks to deepen understanding of the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, particularly its impact on technical and behavioural skills in a rapidly evolving labour market.

The event forms part of broader efforts to support the structural transformation of African economies, modernize public administration systems and scale up investment in human capital. It aims to stimulate strategic and collective reflection among RAFPRO and its member institutions on the policies, practices and innovations required to respond effectively to digital transformation.

The official opening ceremony was chaired by Moustapha Sangaré, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Technical Education, Vocational Training and Apprenticeship, representing Minister N’Guessan Koffi. The ceremony was attended by several senior stakeholders, including Philippe N’dri, Secretary General of the FDFP and President of RAFPRO; Fanfan Rwanyindo, Regional Director for Africa at the International Labour Organization; Djerma Lawal, Honorary President of RAFPRO; and Siama Bamba, President of the Management Committee of the FDFP.

Addressing participants, the Minister’s representative called for the use of artificial intelligence as a catalyst for pedagogical transformation and improved youth employability, in line with the vision of President Alassane Ouattara to enhance professional integration for young people in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider region. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening experience-sharing mechanisms and developing robust adaptation and financing strategies to enable African countries to fully harness the potential of AI.

He noted that the shared ambition of African states is to position artificial intelligence as a driver of sustainable and inclusive economic growth, capable of enhancing workforce readiness and reinforcing the competitiveness of African enterprises in the global economy.