The ECOWAS Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, through its Directorate of Education, Science, and Culture, has commenced a three-day National Institutional Capacity Building Workshop for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) actors in Lomé, Togo.
The workshop, running from November 13 to 15, 2024, aims to enhance the TVET sector in Togo in alignment with the ECOWAS TVET Strategy for Skills Improvement and Employability (ETSSIE). This strategy emphasizes expanding TVET opportunities at secondary and tertiary levels and fostering stronger linkages between education, training systems, and the labor market. Key aspects include leveraging Labour Market Information Systems (LMIS), promoting institutionalized internships, and encouraging creativity, innovation, and research.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, representatives of Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, and Mr. Isaac Tchiakpe, Togo’s Minister of Technical Education, Vocational Training, and Apprenticeship, underscored the workshop’s role in building a skilled workforce aligned with industry demands. This alignment is expected to tackle unemployment, especially among youth, and foster socio-economic development in Togo and the broader ECOWAS region.
Key sessions feature discussions on aligning TVET programs with industry demands, enhancing employability, and building private-sector partnerships to boost job creation. Through a blend of thematic presentations and interactive discussions, participants are engaging to develop a comprehensive national plan to strengthen TVET at the institutional level.
ECOWAS reiterated its commitment to supporting member states in advancing TVET programs, which are critical for driving economic growth and building a competitive, resilient workforce in West Africa.
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