Spanning an impressive 5,200 m² under cover, the Mohammed VI Professional Training Center delivers specialized vocational education designed to meet the dynamic demands of the Malian job market. This state-of-the-art facility is a cornerstone for developing crucial skills across various sectors.
Mamary Diarra, the National Director of Tourism, emphasized the profound significance of this initiative. “First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge the exceptional partnership between the governments of Mali and Morocco. This generous donation from His Majesty Mohammed VI stands as a clear testament to the deep understanding and friendship shared between our two nations,” Diarra stated. He further highlighted the center’s pivotal role, noting, “This institution will empower young Malians with valuable skills right here in Bamako.” Diarra proudly detailed the center’s comprehensive amenities, which include modern classrooms, fully equipped mock restaurants, and realistic mock hotels, affirming, “It is a remarkable asset for the Malian state.”
Once fully operational, this significant infrastructure is poised to welcome nearly 1,000 trainees annually. It offers a diverse curriculum across 21 distinct training pathways, with 12 streams dedicated to construction and public works (BTP) professions, and 9 streams focusing on the burgeoning tourism, hospitality, and restaurant industries.
Mamadou Minkoro Traoré, President of the Permanent Assembly of Chambers of Trades of Mali (APCMM), underscored the immense value of having such a professional training center within the country. He highlighted the benefit of “training our youth locally, as previously, trainees often had to bear the cost and inconvenience of air travel to receive their education in Morocco. This institution not only provides high-quality training but also significantly reduces travel and accommodation expenses for these students.”
Mamadou Traoré, a fashion designer and founder of Balimaya, who himself received advanced training in haute couture and styling in Morocco, emphasized Mali’s critical need for skilled human capital in vital development sectors. “The activation of this center could not have come at a more opportune moment,” he observed. “I extend my gratitude to the Moroccan authorities for this invaluable gift to Mali, which will enable young Malians to acquire a trade and avoid the perils of uncertain ventures abroad. This establishment will play a crucial role in the fight against youth unemployment across West Africa.”
During the official handover of this facility to Malian authorities last July, Oumou Sall Seck, the Malian Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training, stressed that this initiative directly addresses a strategic imperative for Mali. It aims to foster skill development and strengthen human capital within sectors essential for the nation’s sustained economic and social advancement.
