The Ongoing Challenges Faced by Gabonese Trainees in Morocco
Nearly a decade after their departure to Morocco as part of a collaborative initiative between Libreville and Rabat, Gabonese trainers from the Office for Vocational Training and Employment Promotion (OFPPT) are raising alarms about their ongoing exclusion from public administration. They claim that their situation has become increasingly untenable, prompting them to form a collective to appeal to the authorities regarding their administrative and financial plight.
In a statement released on a Friday, the Collectif des formateurs gabonais from OFPPT expressed concerns over their "alarming" circumstances, emphasizing that despite the sacrifices made in response to the calls of Gabonese officials, they have yet to see tangible results. The collective noted that following a call from Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma, the transitional president, many trainers opted to return to Gabon in 2025, but upon their return, they received "no concrete feedback from the state," leading some to consider permanent relocation to Morocco or emigration to Canada and other nations.
While they appreciate the efforts of former Minister of Vocational Training, Philippe Tonangoye, in facilitating the issuance of 23 administrative identification numbers for complete cases, the trainers continue to face persistent obstacles. Since November 2025, they have experienced delays in receiving their salaries, a situation that has become unbearable, particularly for those who abandoned stable jobs abroad to serve their nation.
Broader Implications of the Situation
Beyond their administrative grievances, these trainers argue that their plight underscores a deeper dysfunction within the management of human resources in the state. They pose a critical question: "Why invest in training Gabonese citizens abroad if their expertise is not recognized?" This highlights the acute shortage of qualified trainers within the country's vocational training centers.
The human consequences of this issue are severe, including job insecurity, inactivity, family struggles, and a pervasive sense of abandonment. The collective revealed that one of their colleagues recently passed away without ever receiving her first paycheck, while she was battling health issues. Between 2014 and 2018, around 200 young Gabonese were sent to Morocco for a three-year vocational training program aimed at enhancing national capacity in vocational training centers, reflecting the Gabonese authorities' commitment to improving youth employability and modernizing technical training sectors. The OFPPT stands as Morocco's principal public organization responsible for technical and vocational training.
As reported by gabonactu.com.
