National Symposium on the Competency-Based Approach

By Malikah N'DIAGNE | LAMINE MEDIA

(Bangui, June 20, 2026 | LAMINE MEDIA) On Wednesday, June 17, a national symposium on the Competency-Based Approach to modernizing vocational training, organized by the European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD) and funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union, opened in Bangui. The symposium brought together stakeholders from education, vocational training, the private sector, and technical and financial partners. This three-day symposium, from June 17 to 19, was part of the reform of the vocational training system in the Central African Republic. Its aim was to create a space for reflection, dialogue, and decision-making around the modernization of technical and vocational education to better meet the needs of the labor market. In other words, a think tank! In his presentation, Patrice Noa, the Director General of IECD, clarified his institution's commitment to human capital development: “IECD has been in the Central African Republic since 2023 and has chosen to invest in human capital because a skilled youth is the driving force behind economic and social development. This conviction has led to the implementation of the Initiative for the Empowerment of Central African Youth project. IECD's mission is to contribute to building a more effective, more inclusive, and more market-driven training system.” He added, speaking of concrete results: “Five training centers are being supported in implementing the Competency-Based Approach.” Two training frameworks have been developed and validated with the Ministry of National Education. Four priority sectors have been strengthened: masonry, tiling, plumbing, and electricity. Approximately 600 young men and women have already benefited from training according to the Competency-Based Approach (CBA), while 64 trainers have had their skills enhanced. We have also invested in improving infrastructure through the renovation of several centers and the progressive strengthening of the technical equipment necessary for quality learning. Investing in skills is investing in the future, and investing in youth is investing in the future of the Central African Republic.” Pierre Alfred Lebaramo, Project Manager for the French Development Agency (AFD) in Bangui, also spoke: “The French Development Agency has been supporting the Central African government for several years in its efforts to consolidate peace and promote sustainable and harmonious development for the benefit of the population.” The country faces major challenges, particularly regarding youth integration and responding to growing social demands. The French Development Agency (AFD) has therefore strengthened its support for the education and training sector in the Central African Republic through interventions in support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labor. He also spoke about the project implemented by the IECD since January 2023. “One of the projects we have funded is the Youth Empowerment Initiative, implemented by the IECD in the Central African Republic. Its objective is to contribute to youth empowerment and reduce inequalities between women and men through access to training and improved socio-professional integration, while strengthening the local economic fabric in Bangui and its surrounding areas.” For his part, Dieudonné Gazalongo, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of National Education, clarified the expected outcomes of this symposium: “I thank the IECD team, which has supported our education system for many years. They have introduced numerous innovations in technical education. Through this symposium, we want to make our students understand that training should not only lead to a job in the civil service. They must also be able to create their own businesses and become agents of economic development.” The organizers hope to see the emergence of a better-trained youth, capable of contributing to the country's development through job creation and income-generating activities.

For: LAMINE MEDIA (in FR and GB)

Date: June 20, 2026

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