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The Work Is Progress Program in Ivory Coast represents a concrete evolution of a model already successfully tested in other contexts, based on a territorial and multi-stakeholder approach to labor market integration. Launched in 2020, the program is built on structured collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations, with the aim of generating sustainable opportunities for young people.
The development of long-term partnerships with the Ministry of Labor, the National Agency for Youth Employment, and associations representing small and medium-sized enterprises has made it possible to create an enabling ecosystem for employment. Within this framework, a center dedicated to job placement and social innovation was established in Abidjan, co-managed with a local partner specialized in business incubation and enterprise development.
The intervention is not limited to the capital: a network of local offices and territorial hubs extends activities across different areas of the country, ensuring proximity and accessibility to services. The program targets young people aged 18 to 35, with particular attention to those in vulnerable conditions, including migrants who have returned to their country of origin.
The pathways offered combine career guidance, personalized coaching, and support for entrepreneurship. Alongside assistance in job searching, technical and financial support is provided for the creation of micro-enterprises, both individual and collective. This approach makes it possible to respond flexibly to the diverse needs of beneficiaries, enhancing their skills and aspirations.
The results achieved demonstrate the effectiveness of the model: numerous entrepreneurial initiatives have been launched thanks to the program’s support, while collaborations with companies and recruitment agencies have facilitated access to internships and employment opportunities. At the same time, the experience gained has also been shared internationally through training and capacity-building initiatives aimed at civil society organizations across various African countries.
More than just a set of activities, Work Is Progress stands as a replicable intervention model, capable of adapting to local contexts and bringing together diverse stakeholders around a common goal: creating concrete and lasting opportunities for new generations.
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