Benin Continues Training of its Craftsmen: 2,676 Trainees Planned for 2024
Increased support for the informal sector
Benin, whose economy is mainly based on the informal sector, continues its efforts to structure this essential part of its economic fabric. The Beninese government has implemented initiatives focused on continuing training, financing and social protection for informal workers. In this context, the Council of Ministers announced that 2,676 artisans will be trained in 2024, as part of the Human Capital Reinforcement Insurance (ARCH) project , managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance.
The ARCH Project: A Global Initiative to Strengthen Skills
The ARCH project aims to strengthen the capacities of Beninese workers and improve their access to basic social services. This initiative aims in particular to support the most vulnerable populations in the informal sector, based on four main components:
- Improving access to health services ,
- Provide operational training to informal sector stakeholders,
- Facilitate access to credit for economically weak workers,
- Establish a retirement pension mechanism for farmers, artisans, traders, transporters and artists.
A rise in training
In 2024, the number of trained artisans will increase compared to 2023, when 1,720 artisans benefited from this program. This increase is notably linked to the structuring and improvement of training centers. The Beninese government has in fact created a database of training centers, in collaboration with international experts. These training courses cover various sectors such as renewable energies , refrigeration and air conditioning , pastry , automotive mechanics , and agri-food processing .
Conclusion
Benin is determinedly pursuing its vocational training program for artisans, aimed at structuring the informal sector and improving the living conditions of its stakeholders. The ARCH project, with its 2,676 training courses planned for 2024, reflects a strong ambition to equip artisans with skills adapted to a changing market, while supporting the national economy. In the long term, the government hopes to train 1.8 million workers, thus sustainably transforming the Beninese economic landscape.
