(LVDE) – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced an investment of 48 billion CFA francs to strengthen vocational training in Equatorial Guinea. This funding aims to improve youth integration into the labor market and promote inclusive growth.
On August 30, 2025, the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved significant financing of €73.27 million (approximately 48 billion CFA francs) for Equatorial Guinea. This support is part of the first phase of the Human Capital Development Project in Support of Economic and Social Inclusion (PARCH 1). Through this initiative, the AfDB seeks to transform the vocational training landscape in the country by addressing the challenges of youth and women’s employment.
The need for such a project is urgent. Youth unemployment stands at 23.5%, with an alarming rise to 26.7% among women, according to AfDB data. This situation is worsened by a mismatch between the skills taught in training institutions and the demands of the labor market. About 16.5% of young people are unemployed, untrained, or out of school—a figure that underscores the pressing need for reform of the education system.
The five-year PARCH 1 project is structured around three key pillars. The first focuses on improving the supply and quality of vocational training, including the creation of two modern polytechnic institutes in the provinces of Bioko Sur (Luba) and Wele-Nzas (Mongomo). These institutions will be designed to meet the needs of key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, construction and public works, digital technology, and tourism. The goal is to equip young people with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing labor market.
The second pillar of the project aims to promote youth and women’s employment by fostering a more dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. This will involve the establishment of mentoring programs and start-up support initiatives to encourage innovation and self-employment. At the same time, the project includes measures to improve the governance of training institutions, ensuring better resource management and greater recognition of the skills acquired by learners.
This AfDB funding comes at a pivotal moment for Equatorial Guinea, where the technical education sector faces numerous shortcomings. Less than 2% of national resources are allocated to technical education, hindering the development of a qualified workforce capable of meeting labor market needs. Institutional and budgetary weaknesses further exacerbate the situation, making targeted intervention necessary to correct the trend.
As of August 30, 2025, the AfDB’s active portfolio in Equatorial Guinea includes six projects totaling €85 million. These projects are mainly focused on agriculture (65%) and governance (34%), along with information and communication technologies (ICT) and energy. This integrated approach is designed to support the country’s sustainable development by strengthening capacity in essential sectors.
With this new investment, the AfDB is positioning itself as a key player in the transformation of human capital in Equatorial Guinea. This initiative could not only reduce unemployment but also foster inclusive and sustainable growth by placing education and training at the core of economic development. As the country strives to diversify its economy and improve the well-being of its population, this project represents a valuable opportunity for young people and women, who are often marginalized in the development process.
Sorelle Ninguem
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