Forum Marks a Decade of Guidance
For ten years the Forum of Studies and Orientation has been the autumn rendez-vous where Congolese pupils, undergraduates and their parents test drive future careers. The 2023 edition opens on 7 October, promising a richer programme and more international partners than ever.
Organised by Campus France Congo, the showcase runs three days in Brazzaville’s French Institute before moving to Pointe-Noire for two more, making it the only higher-education fair that physically bridges the country’s two main cities, according to the organising committee’s note sent to newsrooms.
High-Level Opening
French ambassador Claire Bodonyi will preside over the inauguration alongside three Congolese ministers whose portfolios span primary to university education. Their joint presence, highlighted in an Embassy release, signals official backing and underscores the forum’s role in national strategies for youth skills development.
Édith Delphine Emmanuel Adouki, Ghislain Thierry Maguebessa Ebome and Jean-Luc Mouthou are expected to outline recent reforms, including the digitalisation of enrolment and new technical diplomas. Organisers hint that their speeches will be streamed on giant screens to avoid crowding inside the auditorium.
French Public Universities Join
A novelty drawing curiosity is the arrival of several French public universities, such as Toulouse-Jean-Jaurès and Nantes, representatives confirmed to Les Dépêches de Brazzaville. Previous editions relied mainly on private schools; official campuses now bring state-recognised degrees and clearer tuition guidelines to prospective applicants.
Campus France coordinator Béatrice Bilombo insists the expanded roster widens options beyond the classic business or engineering schools. “We will show tracks in green energy, heritage management and social work, areas where Congo’s economy needs talent,” she told Radio Congo this week.
Key Dates and Venues
Brazzaville sessions run 7-9 October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Plateau des 15 Ans site, an easily accessible hub near several bus lines. Pointe-Noire visitors are expected at the coast’s French Institute on 10 and 11 October during identical opening hours.
Organisers advise early arrival because health-safety measures still limit indoor capacity. If halls reach their threshold, registration desks outside will hand time-slot passes allowing rotation, a system tested successfully last year, according to Campus France’s post-event report shared with our newsroom.
Workshops That Demystify Choices
Beyond stands and brochures, the forum schedules almost twenty thematic conferences. Topics range from scholarship hunting to crafting a portfolio for creative schools. A daily “Ask Me Anything” corner invites alumni of Congolese origin now studying abroad to relate their hurdles and breakthroughs.
Hands-on workshops, limited to thirty seats, will simulate visa interviews and help parents estimate living budgets in euros and CFA francs. “We noticed many dreams collapse on cost realities; these sessions bring transparency,” explains finance coach Arnaud Boussien, partner of the event.
Mobility and Labour Market Focus
Separate panels explore regional mobility inside Central Africa, with the University of Kinshasa and African Union’s PanAfrican University sending speakers. Human-resources managers from Eni Congo and Airtel will share which diplomas align with oil, telecom and fintech recruitment forecasts for the next five years.
According to a labour-market brief published by the National Employment Agency last month, Congo will need around 4,000 additional engineers in renewable power by 2028. Forum organisers say that figure guided the choice of spotlight disciplines for this anniversary edition.
Student Voices and Hopes
Second-year science student Nila Mayindou has already listed seven stands to visit. “My dream is environmental chemistry, but I also want assurance that bursaries exist,” she says, phone in hand to scan QR codes. Peers nearby nod, reflecting a generation that shops information digitally first.
Lucien Nganga, final-year apprentice at a Brazzaville technical lycée, expects guidance about dual curricula mixing workplace practice and French diplomas. “If companies here recognise the certificate, I won’t need to emigrate to succeed,” he explains, echoing official efforts to retain local talent.
Free Access Reflects Inclusive Vision
Entry remains free, although visitors must present ID for security. Campus France director Camille Loubaki says the policy mirrors President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s call for equal opportunity in education, voiced during the 2022 Youth Forum. Sponsors cover logistics so families face zero financial barrier.
The organising team expects more than 6,000 attendees across both cities, beating last year’s 4,500 count. A mobile app launched Tuesday allows users to bookmark sessions, receive push alerts on seat availability and watch replays, aligning the event with young people’s smartphone habits.
What Happens Next
At the close, Campus France will publish a digital catalogue of all programmes presented, complete with updated admission calendars. Follow-up webinars in November will walk successful applicants through visa paperwork, ensuring advice continues long after the last stand is dismantled.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Students wishing to attend can preregister on forum.orientation.cg to save time at the entrance. The site also lists accommodation deals negotiated with nearby youth hostels.
