According to the Bank’s website, the objective of this project is to increase the number of graduates with skills needed to access jobs in priority sectors.

In this project, skills development extends beyond TVET and professional training to encompass the professional higher education sector and on-the-job training. To build a high-value-added economy, a diverse range of skills is needed across the entire value chain. Consequently, this project will take an inter-ministerial approach, focusing on skills development at multiple levels, from lower-level skills to higher-level skills. The project will be national in scope with prioritized location to be determined by appraisal and subject to completion of a needs assessment and targeting analysis.

The environmental risk rating is Moderate, with adverse risks and impacts expected to be site-specific and manageable with appropriate measures. The proposed operation focuses on training, capacity building, and institutional reform, which are expected to have minor environmental impacts. Key environmental risks are associated with the rehabilitation of the skills centers under Component 1, including noise, dust, electronic and electric waste, and minor hydrocarbon spills. Furthermore, vocational training may generate risks related to the themes, sectors, and activities, especially for mining, renewable energy, digital skills, and agriculture. Occupational health and safety (OHS) risks are also prevalent in workshop-based training, particularly during practical training sessions involving the handling of machines, electric apparatus (especially pertinent in sectors like mining and renewable energy), and hazardous or non-hazardous pollutants (pesticides and fertilizers, e-waste, end-of-life batteries, and so on) necessitating stringent safety measures and guidelines from material safety datasheets.

The social risk rating (SRR) is Moderate. Project activities will involve social risks and could potentially generate or intensify adverse social impacts. The key social risks and impacts preliminarily identified are the following: (a) potential for elite capture of project benefits, particularly the job-readiness and skills development training, internships, and apprenticeships, along with the risk of exclusion of people from vulnerable and marginalized groups; (b) CHS risks, particularly increased traffic accidents and fire risks associated with the training center activities and small scale civil works; (c) potential limited disruption to livelihoods and/or economic displacement, which can be generated from the establishment of skills centers, even though no physical displacement is expected; and (d) risks associated with labor conditions, including potential discrimination against marginalized individuals, along with the risk of unanticipated consequences resulting from lack of access to worker’s services as a result of noncompliance with labor laws. The SRR will be further assessed throughout project preparation and adjusted by appraisal, if needed.

Total Project Cost: US$ 100.00 million
IDA Credit: US$ 100.00 million

CONTACT POINT - World Bank

Task Team Leader: Almedina Music
Title: Senior Economist
Email: amusic@worldbank.org

TTL Contact: Eliane Razafimandimby Ramiandrison
Job Title: Senior Health Specialist
Email: erazafimandimby@worldbank.org

TTL Contact: Solofoson Jean Rabary
Job Title: Transport Specialist
Email: srabary@worldbank.org

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

To submit an information request for project information, you will have to create an account to access the Access to Information request form. You can learn more about this process at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/access-to-information/request-submission

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF THE WORLD BANK

The World Bank Inspection Panel is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by a World Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Inspection Panel, they may investigate to assess whether the World Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can contact the Inspection Panel or submit a complaint by emailing ipanel@worldbank.org. Information on how to file a complaint and a complaint request form are available at: https://www.inspectionpanel.org/how-to-file-complaint