West African nations launch education and cultural reforms

In Chad, the Ministry of National Education, Bilingualism and Civic Promotion has launched a 28-day training program for 2,000 educators under the Basic Education Learning Results Improvement Project (PARAEB), supported by the World Bank. The initiative, running from September 2 to 30, 2026, involves 1,500 primary teachers and 500 supervisors across N’Djaména, Moundou, and Abéché. The training focuses on bilingual pedagogy (French and Arabic), classroom management, and literacy and numeracy skills to address challenges regarding teacher qualifications.

In Burkina Faso, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo visited 22 cultural professionals undergoing a two-week patriotic immersion at the Pabré Police Academy. This program, organized with the Ministry of Security, combines physical training and intellectual modules with lessons on artist status laws. The goal is to transform artists into ambassadors of the country’s cultural renewal and national identity.

In Benin, the government has mobilized 30 billion CFA francs to transform the education sector for the 2026-2027 academic year. The investment targets nutrition through expanded school canteens, infrastructure modernization, and security measures for schools in border zones. Meanwhile, in Chad, the 5th edition of the Mandoul Film Festival (FECIM) is preparing to launch in Koumra, focusing on using cinema to raise awareness about climate change.

In Benin, discussions are also underway regarding the first Government Action Program (PAG) for 2026-2033, which aims to translate economic growth into improved daily living standards and youth employment.