The Ivorian government is intensifying its efforts to enhance the employability of young people and women through information and communication technologies (ICT). The goal is to reduce unemployment and stimulate technological innovation in the country.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization, launched the development of the National Industry 4.0 Strategy in Côte d'Ivoire on Friday, June 14. This initiative was introduced during a dedicated workshop.

The strategy, currently under development, will focus on skill development, support for investment and financing, and assistance to innovation and startup ecosystems to deliver 4.0 technological solutions tailored to business needs. It also emphasizes partnerships, alliances within the ecosystem, international cooperation with technical and financial partners, and awareness-raising efforts.

This initiative is part of the "Employment4Youth: Industry 4.0 to foster youth employment in Tunisia and Côte d'Ivoire" project, led by the Ivorian government and implemented by UNIDO. Launched in 2022, the project aims to increase youth employment and improve working conditions by structuring and consolidating a digital ecosystem, particularly within Industry 4.0. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the special initiative "Decent Employment for a Just Transition."

In Côte d'Ivoire, this project is expected to create 13,000 jobs, including 3,000 direct jobs, by 2025 across various private sectors such as social and ecological transformation, renewable energies, ICT, and agro-industry, with a total investment of USD 30 million.

Samira Njoya