Benin signs 11 partnerships to expand Sèmè City project

Benin Republic has taken a significant step towards improving youth employability and vocational training by signing 11 agreements to enable the expansion of the Sèmè City project. Claude Borna, the Managing Director and Chief Innovation Officer of Sèmè City, recently discussed this development in an interview on CNBC Africa. The project aims to address the shortage of skilled workers not just in Benin but also in the wider region. The recent visit of French President Macron to witness the signing of agreements between Sèmè City and French companies highlights the strategic importance of this collaboration. The agreements will focus on developing programs in sectors ranging from Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to engineering and culinary schools. By partnering with French academic institutions and companies, Sèmè City is working towards enhancing higher education access and vocational training for youth while also fostering innovation and knowledge. The cooperation protocols signed signify a new era of mutually beneficial partnerships between Sèmè City and its partners. Through exchange programs and internships, the project aims to create global skills standards and empower youth to not only address current skill shortages but also create innovative job opportunities that align with the digital transformation agenda. With an ambitious plan set in phases, the project is already operational in some schools, such as coding and design, entrepreneurial programs, and research centers. The upcoming phase will see the development of a state-of-the-art campus to accommodate over 30,000 students, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the region with quality training programs developed in collaboration with partners. The digital transformation agenda holds vast opportunities for African countries, emphasizing the importance of acquiring the right skills for cutting-edge sectors. By equipping youth with the necessary skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, the project aims to enable them to contribute to the job market and drive economic growth. Borna stresses the need for strategic engagement with youth at a regional level to address common challenges and create 'made in Africa' solutions. The call for collaboration and mutual efforts across sub-Saharan countries underscores the importance of strategic partnerships to empower youth and drive sustainable development in Africa.