Problem

The Government of Côte d’Ivoire plans to rapidly increase its electricity generation capacity by 2030, including by expanding the share of renewables to 42% – a significant increase from the current 1%. This will directly impact the demand for skilled workers, with jobs in the solar power and biomass sectors projected to grow by around 8,000-13,000 by 2030 (compared to around 970 today). Another challenge faced by the renewables sector in Côte d’Ivoire, specifically its local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), is little support and access to funding due to limited expertise and association structures.

Response

To cope with this demand, the Government and private sectors worked together to develop practical training strategies to prepare young people for the renewable energy job market. Ministries, training institutions and the private sector meet regularly in exchange forums to work on this project. 

The role of teachers at vocational schools and universities played a critical role in this project, creating a multiplier effect for disseminating practical skills aligned with market needs. By 2020, 45 companies have reportedly collaborated with training institutions and a total of 37 trainers in vocational schools and businesses have received training in photovoltaics, energy efficiency and soft skills. In addition, 400 professionals, including 69 women from 76 companies (55 SMEs) received this training. A reported total of 42 SMEs had confirmed an improvement in their sales, installation and project development skills.

To boost market development, banks and energy audits in relevant sectors were reportedly strengthened to lead and evaluate new energy projects. By 2021, 20 diagnostics and nine energy audits in hotels and agricultural production facilities to identify the potential for renewable energies or improved efficiency.

Find out more: GIZ, International Energy Agency