Event dates and location

The second edition of the Mayotte Recrute fair, focused on post-Chido reconstruction, will take place on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 at the Lycée des Lumières in Kawéni. Organized by the Mayotte Recrute association, the event aims to connect employers with potential candidates and address ongoing employment challenges in the region.

Employment challenges in Mayotte

According to the 2026 France Travail survey, 8,120 recruitments are planned this year, with 56.8% considered difficult, compared to 43.8% nationally. Namoure Zidini, president of the Mayotte Recrute association, noted that there are shortages in all sectors, particularly for specific jobs. The needs range from individuals with a CAP to highly qualified engineers, with a strong demand for specialized and experienced professionals.

Sector-specific job shortages

While there are many candidates for secretarial, executive assistant, and communication roles, companies are struggling to find human resources managers, management controllers, or experienced accountants. Similar challenges exist in the construction sector, where geotechnicians and site managers are missing, and in healthcare, which seeks physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychomotor therapists. The social sector is also seeking experienced specialized educators and child care assistants.

Training and employer challenges

According to Zidini, part of the issue stems from training programs that are not aligned with local market needs. Some institutions continue to train in already saturated fields, while other specialties are rarely offered. He suggested that training should be more targeted to meet local needs. He also noted that training centers are not well-represented at the fair, with only about ten among the 40 expected exhibitors.

Employer and candidate challenges

The difficulties are not only from the candidates, Zidini added. Mahorais companies often have small human resources departments that struggle to effectively process applications, leading some candidates to slip through the cracks. Employers also prefer candidates already attached to Mayotte to reduce the time needed for adaptation to life on the territory.

Attracting graduates and event features

Attracting Mahorais graduates who left to continue their studies is also challenging. Zidini noted that higher qualifications often come with higher expectations regarding quality of life, which can be affected by water issues, insecurity, and the possibility of remote work from mainland France or Réunion. This year's fair, themed "Mayotte Recrute for its Reconstruction," will bring together about 40 exhibitors from construction, health, commerce, public services, and training.

Event accessibility and goals

As in 2024, the fair will also be accessible online, starting on Wednesday, October 21, to reach the diaspora. The first edition attracted more than 900 participants, nearly 400 of whom participated remotely. Although organizers could not precisely measure the number of recruitments actually made, the feedback from companies was encouraging, with several having been able to build a pool of candidates.

Event details and participation

This year, the association hopes to welcome between 1,000 and 1,500 participants. Entry is free, with registration at salon.mayotterecrute.fr or on site. The fair will take place on October 23 and 24, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, in the gymnasiums of the Lycée des Lumières in Kawéni.