Entrepreneurship, Employment: Priorities of Vocational Training

T he Interim Minister of Employ­ ment and Vocational Training, Mounouna Foutsou on October 21, 2026 officially launched the 2026/2027 Vocational training year at the Vocational Training Institute of Science and Technology, Mile 1, Bamenda. The year will be on the theme, “Vocational Training: A Pillar for JEME programme (One Youth, One Trade, One Job)." The Minister revealed that vocational training must enable every young person to master a trade that meets labour needs. He explained that Ba­ menda was chosen to host the laun­ ching ceremony as a reflection of the government’s desire to consoli­ date vocational training provisions in all regions of the country, taking into account local potentials and the aspirations of the youths. He said this year's theme summarises the ambition that must henceforth guide their actions in making every training program a genuine opportunity for qualification in employment and au­ tonomy. The North West has been going through a crisis for the past ten years and the Minister said it was a means of regulating the private vocational training by deploying technology to sustain training amidst the crisis while also implementing major infra­ structural projects. The event also highlighted the state of private vo­ cational training in the region. Out of the 176 institutions identified, 65 reportedly have authorizations, some expired authorizations, and 14 were illegal. Minister Mounouna Fout­ sou announced flagship project for vocational training in Atuakum Mezam for youths which will involve the construction of the Bamenda Voca­ tional Training Centre for Renewable Energy. About 6.5 hectares of land has been secure with some additional hectares don...