Côte d'Ivoire begins new school year amid family budget pressures

The 2026-2027 school year in Côte d'Ivoire officially commenced on Monday, September 14, 2026. The Ministry of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education expects approximately 8.8 million students this year, comprising 5.3 million in primary education and 3.5 million in secondary education.

Families are facing significant budgetary pressure due to the costs of uniforms, books, transport, and other supplies. This financial strain is compounded by regional inflationary trends; the BCEAO anticipates inflation of 1.3% in August 2026, driven by pressures in petroleum products and freight costs.

To mitigate these costs, the government has extended sales periods until September 10, 2026, to allow families more time to find discounted goods. Additionally, the state has announced the distribution of over 5 million school kits to assist with the transition.