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Launch of the 2026-2027 academic year for the CFPAs: 241 million FCFA in equipment and certification of 179 women in Djougou Published on 29 September 2026 by Christ-loisele (2 min read)
The opening ceremony of the Professional Training and Apprenticeship Centers (CFPA) in Djougou, chaired by Minister Awaou Baco, marked the handover of equipment valued at 241.412 million FCFA and the certification of 179 young women. This initiative is part of a national overhaul of vocational training, with a focus on modernizing infrastructure and aligning it with labor market needs.
A 241 million FCFA investment to modernize the CFPA in Djougou
The official launch of the 2026-2027 academic year for the CFPAs, chaired by Minister Awaou Baco on September 28, 2026, in Djougou, was an opportunity to hand over a set of equipment valued at 241.412 million FCFA . This contribution, supported by the World Bank through the Training and Apprenticeship Development Fund (FODEFCA) , aims to enhance the CFPA’s capacity and training conditions in Djougou. According to La Nouvelle Tribune , this operation is part of a broader plan to equip twelve other reference centers across the country.
The reorganization of vocational training in Benin, with an investment of 241 million FCFA and the certification of 179 women, could redefine professional integration standards in West Africa.
Illustrative photo: administrative building (RegionalQueenslander, CC BY-SA 4.0) Certification of 179 women and scholarships for 200 others: a priority for professional integration
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to award Professional Qualification Certificates (CQP) to 179 young women , symbolizing their success in vocational training programs. Additionally, 200 women received scholarships to train in technical and professional trades, according to information shared by La Nouvelle Tribune . These measures align with the government’s goal of strengthening women’s access to skills tailored to labor market demands while addressing inequalities in training access.
National reorganization and preparation for economic realities
The Beninese government, through the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Employment Promotion , is leading a reorganization of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) . This overhaul includes the gradual implementation of performance contracts and the enhancement of trainers’ skills , as reported by La Nouvelle Tribune . The stated goal is to better prepare youth for labor market demands and meet business expectations by aligning training programs with sectoral needs.
What this means locally: toward more inclusive and competitive vocational training in West Africa
For businesses and administrations in Benin and West Africa, this momentum could significantly improve the quality of the local workforce , narrowing the gap between skills acquired in training and employer expectations. The increased certification of women, combined with their integration into technical fields, could inspire similar policies in other countries , where unequal access to vocational training remains a major challenge. Additionally, the focus on modernizing CFPA infrastructure could serve as a model for other training centers , particularly in less-equipped areas, promoting a more equitable and economically relevant approach.
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