April 7, 2026 (Arta, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with the Government of Djibouti, on Tuesday launched a national initiative in Arta aimed at strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions during a three-day workshop bringing together public and private stakeholders as well as international partners.
The meeting gathers representatives from training institutions, government authorities, the private sector, and organizations working in the fields of refugees and social inclusion.
Opening the event on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, Ambassador Moussa Ali Meigague emphasized the “strategic” role of TVET in addressing regional economic transformations. “Skills development is a key driver for supporting growth and ensuring sustainable youth employment,” he said.
The initiative is part of the implementation of the Djibouti Declaration on Quality Education, which promotes stronger training systems, greater inclusion of women and vulnerable populations, including refugees, and enhanced regional cooperation.
Over the three days, participants will focus on improving coordination among stakeholders, aligning training programmes with labour market needs, and promoting public-private partnerships. The goal is to develop a joint roadmap for inclusive skills development.
Discussions are expected to lead to operational recommendations and a joint action plan aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of training systems in Djibouti and across the IGAD region.
Samatar Natalis, Head of the SIMPI Programme at GIZ Djibouti, highlighted the need to translate the country’s economic potential into tangible employment opportunities. He called for closer alignment between training and business needs, pointing to existing “skills gaps” that require stronger partnerships with the private sector.
The Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training, through its Directorate General of Vocational Training, officially opened the workshop. Its Director General, Mohamed Abdi Guedi, underscored the challenges of youth unemployment and the mismatch between training supply and labour market demand.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms, including the SKILLS project, which aims to train 4,000 young people—half of them women—in high-demand sectors. The programme also promotes inclusion, with 10% of beneficiaries reserved for refugees and persons with disabilities.
Among the initiatives discussed is the planned “City of Trades,” designed to strengthen national capacities and promote skills sovereignty.
In a country hosting refugee population, speakers stressed the importance of inclusive approaches to ensure equal access to training and employment opportunities for both host communities and refugees. The rehabilitation of the former vocational school in Ali-Sabieh, supported by IGAD, was cited as a concrete example.
At the end of the workshop, participants aim to define a shared vision, identify priority actions, and establish a strengthened framework for collaboration among stakeholders.
