Thousands of artisans in Côte d’Ivoire who developed their skills through hands-on experience are now taking part in official certification exams that aim to recognize and validate their work.

The first edition of the Certificat de Qualification aux Métiers (CQM) began Monday, with 2,764 candidates sitting for exams across 33 artisan trades.

The program was launched at the Mohamed VI Multisectoral Vocational High School in Yopougon, a suburb of Abidjan, by Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and N’Guessan Koffi, Minister of Technical Education, Vocational Training, and Apprenticeship.

“The artisan sector is an economic engine that employs nearly 30 percent of the active population and contributes more than 19.5 percent of the national GDP,” Diarrassouba said.

“When the state launches such a reform, it aims to improve the lives of artisans, open new perspectives, and create opportunities. This diploma restores pride and gives them access to both public and private markets,” he added.

The CQM is designed for artisans who have learned their trade on the job, often outside the formal education system.

The certification provides official recognition of their skills and creates a bridge toward future professional development.

Koffi, who helped design the diploma, called the launch a historic moment. “This new certificate offers a second chance to many young people and allows artisans to strengthen their activities and grow professionally,” he said.

He also praised the role of master artisans, encouraging them to motivate more young people from the informal sector to pursue the diploma and consider further training.

Candidates are being tested on both theory, including trade vocabulary and knowledge, and practice, with hands-on tasks performed using professional tools and machines.

The CQM was adopted by the Council of Ministers in September 2024.

Abidjan,Côte d’Ivoire  – Bantu Gazette