Benin is stepping up its efforts to align technical and vocational education with real-world industry needs, as part of the National Strategy for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (SN-EFTP).
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Minister of Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, Véronique Tognifodé, toured several internship sites at the Akassato Vocational Technical High School for Hospitality, Catering and Tourism.
Accompanied by the Director General of the Technical Education Development Agency (ADET), Fructueux Aho, the Director of Technical Education, Jémima Aklé, and other officials, Minister Tognifodé visited three major establishments hosting interns: the Golden Tulip, the Sofitel, and the Maison Rouge. Trainees have been gaining hands-on experience in departments including accommodation, catering, concierge, and front office.
Interns and their supervising teachers expressed enthusiasm for the programme, describing it as a valuable opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations. The experience allows participants to evaluate their skills in a professional setting and adapt to the operational demands of top-tier hotels.
Hotel managers welcomed the trainees’ motivation and professionalism, praising the initiative as a model for public-private cooperation. “We are committed to continuing this partnership to strengthen the professionalization of Beninese youth in tourism and hospitality,” one manager said.
Fructueux Aho highlighted that these internships reflect a broader effort to diversify vocational training under the SN-EFTP framework. He stressed that ADET is dedicated to ensuring the sustainability and expansion of such immersive experiences for students.
Minister Tognifodé emphasized that the programme aligns with President Patrice Talon’s vision of connecting education more closely with the labour market. “This initiative is designed to provide useful training directly oriented towards employment,” she said, urging trainees to make the most of the opportunity and reassuring hotel partners of the government’s commitment to consolidate this dynamic.
As Benin continues to invest in practical vocational education, the collaboration between schools and industry is seen as a key strategy to equip young people with the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive tourism and hospitality sector.
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