Creation of technical and vocational training centers for the WASH sectors

THE BACKGROUND

Côte d’Ivoire experienced political instability and economic decline throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Between 2012 and 2019, political stability and policy reforms have allowed the economy to recover from years of stagnation, with an average annual GDP growth rate of eight percent during that period. This progress can be seen in the reduction of the poverty rate stood at 46.3% in 2015 and 39.5% in 2018, based on World Bank statistics.

Additionally, Côte d’Ivoire graduated from the Lower Income cohort to the Lower-Middle Income cohort for the scorecard in the fiscal year 2021. As a result of the stronger competition in the Lower Middle-Income cohort, Côte d’Ivoire based ten indicators.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is an innovative and independent U.S. foreign assistance agency that is helping lead the fight against global poverty. MCC transitioned Côte d’Ivoire from a threshold program to compact development in December 2015.

THE PROJECT

In 2021, MCC selected a consortium comprised of Altai Consulting and FINANCE FOR IMPACT to conduct a detailed assessment of constraints faced by businesses to build technical capacity in several key sectors of the economy. In particular, the project determined the investment needs required for the creation of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centers.

THE RESULTS

The consulting team collected data through a national survey of MSME needs for technical training. More specifically, FINANCE FOR IMPACT conducted an assessment of market needs for technical skills in the WASH sector (Water, sanitation, and hygiene). The team pointed out that it was important to develop technical and vocational training in order to address issues in several sectors, including water and natural resources management, energy generation and sustainable land use. Capacity building was expected in many areas covering: policy, regulatory and utility reform; adoption of more efficient commercial practices; tariff setting; asset management systems; protection of watersheds and corresponding natural systems; protection of communities from floods and droughts; provision of safe, clean, and reliable water; etc.