The Ministry of Employment and Vocational and Technical Training presided over the first edition of the Dakar Job Dating (DJD) fair on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Grand Théâtre Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose.

On behalf of the Minister, Ibrahima Diop, Chief of Staff, praised the initiative, describing it as a concrete response to the challenges of unemployment, particularly among young people. He emphasized that the Dakar Job Dating event is not simply an event, but a strategic platform for dialogue and action between the worlds of education and employment.

"Employment cannot be decreed. It is built through ongoing dialogue between education and the world of work, through strong public-private partnerships and through mechanisms capable of transforming skills into real opportunities," he stated.

According to him, with more than 10,000 participants expected, around fifty companies and institutions mobilized and the ambition to generate more than 3,000 job and internship opportunities, the Dakar Job Dating embodies a bold response, geared towards action and results.

Two days of exchanges and opportunities

In his address, the ministry representative emphasized the importance of modern, relevant vocational and technical training that aligns with the actual needs of the labor market. He reiterated that the transformation of the Senegalese economy necessitates continuous skills development and close collaboration between the government, the private sector, and training institutions.

He explained that the ministry's participation in this job fair aims in particular to promote public policies in favor of employment, to facilitate direct meetings between recruiters and job seekers, and to strengthen long-term partnerships with businesses. "The thematic panels, practical workshops, and institutional spaces set up are all levers for moving from intentions to results," he maintained.

Speaking directly to young job seekers and project leaders, Ibrahima Diop delivered a message of hope and responsibility. He encouraged them to fully seize the opportunities offered by the job fair, to believe in their abilities, and to dare to take the plunge. "This job fair was designed for you, with you, and for your future. Dare to take the plunge, dare to innovate, dare to transform your talents into useful solutions for your country," he declared.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting Senegalese youth in developing employability and entrepreneurship, pillars of inclusive and sustainable growth. To the business leaders present, the ministry representative addressed a message of appreciation, highlighting their crucial role in creating wealth, skills, and decent jobs.

He assured them that the State will remain by their side to co-create suitable solutions, encourage productive investment and support skills development in the national economy.

For two days, the Dakar Job Dating Fair offers high-level panels on the evolution of the job market, innovation, leadership, and work ethic, as well as practical workshops on CV writing, interviews, personal branding, and soft skills. Masterclasses on entrepreneurship, project structuring, and formalization are also planned, leading to concrete opportunities for jobs, internships, and training. Dakar Job Dating is aimed at recent graduates, students, and job seekers; professionals seeking career changes; entrepreneurs and project leaders; and the Senegalese diaspora eager to better understand and integrate into the local economic ecosystem.