As part of its program of academic exchanges, the U.S. Mission hosted on Wednesday July 17, 2013 a conference on the competency-based approach in Benin's education system. The conference was led by Professor, Dr. Desire Baloubi, Chair of the Humanities Department at Shaw University in North Carolina.

In his welcome remarks, Public Affairs Officer Douglas E. Johnston said: "The goal of the conference is to brainstorm together on the relevance of the skills-based approach in the education system in Benin. This approach is results-oriented and is very popular in public schools, colleges and American universities and in most countries with the best education systems."

He also said that the use of competency-based approach solves the problem of inadequate training when students are going to study in foreign countries.

Over a hundred people attended the conference, including students, teachers, and government officials. After Dr. Baloubi's presentation, attendees had the opportunity to pose questions to the speaker.