Bouygues Construction Foundation
David Myerscough
General Manager
IECD’s partnership with the Bouygues Construction Foundation was launched in 2024. Why have you chosen to focus on training and professional integration projects, particularly on the African continent?
We are committed to supporting young people, particularly those who have dropped out of school. IECD’s “Energy, Industry and Construction” programme was a perfect fit with this new direction for our foundation. What’s more, our strong presence in Morocco and Ivory Coast, which we describe as “strongholds”, makes our commitment in these regions a natural one.
Why did you choose IECD? What do you see as its added value?
We were quickly won over by IECD’s professionalism and rigour. The seriousness and involvement of the teams in the projects are palpable. We sense a real motivation to do things well and in the long term.
What does this collaboration bring you (in terms of the company, your employees, your strategy, your values, your expertise, your knowledge of the sector, the countries, etc.)?
Working with a strategic partner like IECD strengthens our impact. It also enables our employees, both in Morocco and Ivory Coast, to get involved through skills sponsorship. This partnership fosters an enriching exchange of ideas, and several concrete initiatives have emerged thanks to this dynamic.
Have you had the opportunity to visit any of our partner training centres in Côte d’Ivoire or Morocco? If so, did any of the young people you accompanied catch your eye?
Yes, we were very lucky. What struck us was the commitment, curiosity and discipline of the young people, particularly during the workshops on safety and CV writing. One young woman in particular stood out for us: she was able to demonstrate her skills in the field and change the way her supervisor looked at her, illustrating the potential for overcoming prejudice, particularly for women in the technical building trades.
Do you have any anecdotes or memories to share?
The memory of the young woman mentioned above remains vivid. With pride and determination, she was able to change the perception of her colleagues. A fine lesson in equality and courage in a sector that is still very male-dominated.
Do you feel that, as General Manager of a foundation belonging to an international group, you have a role to play in raising awareness of international solidarity among your employees?
It’s a responsibility we fully accept. It’s part of our DNA. Younger generations in particular expect companies to make concrete commitments. Even if we do it out of conviction, it also helps to make us more attractive to talented people in search of meaning.
And in the private sector, to meet the growing challenges facing society?
Companies have a key role to play in developing new skill pools, particularly in technical occupations. By working actively to train young people, we can meet the growing needs of the sector.
In your opinion, how can partnerships between civil society organisations and businesses help to support the development of the construction sector in Africa?
These partnerships make it possible to structure the training on offer, to better respond to the realities on the ground and to effectively prepare young people to enter the job market. Together, we can create a favourable ecosystem for the sustainable development of the sector.
The last word?
It’s a fruitful collaboration that continues enthusiastically. We are happy to devote our time to it, and the relationship of trust and mutual understanding that we have built up with IECD is invaluable.