SNET 2026: Technical Education, a Driver of Côte d’Ivoire’s Industrialization

The first edition of the National Technical Education Fair (SNET) officially opened on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Technical High School of Abidjan-Cocody, under the theme: “Technical Education, a Driver of Côte d’Ivoire’s Industrialization.”

Presided over by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, represented on the occasion by the Vice Prime Minister, Téné Birahima Ouattara, this fair is presented as a strategic lever for the country’s industrial transformation. The ceremony was attended by several members of government, reflecting a strong inter-ministerial synergy in support of this initiative.

In a rapidly changing world where technical and technological skills are becoming the backbone of high-performing economies, technical education is increasingly positioning itself as a path of excellence, innovation, and opportunity. The SNET aims to serve as a bridge between today’s learners and tomorrow’s industries, with a shared objective: to promote technical professions, enhance the visibility of businesses, and align training with real labor market needs.

“The SNET 2026 is fully aligned with the vision of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Alassane Ouattara,” stated Vice Prime Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara. He further emphasized that the theme of the fair is in perfect harmony with the priorities of the National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030, which places human capital development at the core of the government’s inclusive and sustainable development strategy.

For Jean-Louis Moulot, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education in charge of Technical Education and organizer of the SNET, the goal of this fair is to “sustainably reposition technical education at the heart of our educational and productive system,” with the ambition of increasing the proportion of students enrolled in technical education from 5% currently to 15% by 2030.

“We will stand by your side to support reflection, but above all the implementation of various strategies aimed at sustainably addressing youth employability challenges and reducing unemployment in our country,” assured Mamadou Touré, Minister of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration and Civic Service, co-sponsor of the event alongside the Minister of National Education.

“This fair adds real value by promoting our various professions and offering us genuine opportunities for professional integration,” testified Yépié Lauren Élie, a second-year Bakery and Pastry student at the Mohamed VI Multisectoral Vocational High School in Yopougon.

The SNET also featured the signing of the industry–Technical and Vocational Education Pact (PIETP), as well as a tour of exhibition stands by the Vice Prime Minister and the accompanying ministerial delegation.