Côte d’Ivoire boosts education reform with ‘Pleins Feux’ initiative

Unveiled in Abidjan in April 2026, the ‘Pleins Feux’ program is a cornerstone of the Ivorian government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s education system. Spearheaded by President Alassane Ouattara, this initiative is designed to enhance the governance of the educational framework and bolster the effectiveness of public policies aimed at sustainably improving learning outcomes across Côte d’Ivoire.

With a population exceeding 30 million and a predominantly young demographic, the demand for quality education in Côte d’Ivoire has never been greater. Every year, hundreds of thousands of additional students enroll in schools, placing significant pressure on the system—particularly in rural areas. Recognizing education as a pivotal driver of development, President Ouattara has prioritized this sector, aligning national efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and the 2030 Agenda. Over the past decade, the Ivorian authorities have implemented sweeping reforms to expand access to education and elevate teaching standards.

Expanding access and upgrading teacher training in Côte d’Ivoire

Since 2011, Côte d’Ivoire has made significant strides in bolstering its teaching workforce. Over 69,000 new primary school teachers and more than 30,000 secondary school educators have been recruited, with recent efforts focusing on critical STEM fields. In 2026 alone, an additional 1,800 teachers specializing in mathematics and physical sciences were deployed to meet labor market demands and support the country’s economic transformation goals.

Infrastructure development has also accelerated, especially in underserved rural areas. New schools have been constructed nationwide to shorten travel distances, reduce dropout rates, and ensure more students have access to education. A notable milestone in this effort was the opening of the CAFOP training center in Boundiali, located in northern Côte d’Ivoire. The center’s entrance exams attracted nearly 68,000 applicants in 2026 for just 7,000 available spots, underscoring the high demand for improved teacher training and professional renewal.

Prioritizing school climate and inclusive education in Côte d’Ivoire

Enhancing the teaching environment has become a key pillar of the Ivorian education strategy. Between 2011 and 2025, starting salaries for primary school teachers rose by over 30%, while secondary school educators saw increases of up to 15%. These salary adjustments have enhanced the profession’s appeal and helped stabilize teaching staff.

The government has also made strides in creating a more inclusive educational environment. New teaching materials tailored for students with disabilities have been introduced, promoting accessibility and diversity in learning. Additionally, targeted initiatives—such as campaigns to prevent school-related pregnancies—are being rolled out to safeguard student pathways and encourage continuity in education.

Improving education governance with the ‘Pleins Feux’ program

Launched in Abidjan on April 12, 2026, the ‘Pleins Feux’ initiative is designed to strengthen the governance of the education system. Unlike infrastructure-focused programs, this initiative emphasizes enhancing the operational efficiency and implementation of public education policies.

Developed in partnership with UNESCO, the African Union, and the Global Education Monitoring Report, the program is the result of two years of collaborative work in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Ethiopia. Its goal is to equip policymakers and educational leaders with the tools needed to drive tangible improvements in classrooms across the country.

This strategic approach comes at a time when international partners are acknowledging Côte d’Ivoire’s progress in foundational learning. By leveraging diverse partnerships—spanning global, regional, and private sectors—the Ivorian government continues to advance its vision for a high-performing, equitable education system.