Educational reforms and developments in West Africa

West African nations are undertaking various initiatives to improve educational access and infrastructure.

In Burkina Faso, the government has established a regulatory framework to cap tuition fees at private institutions to protect household purchasing power. To support the academic reopening, telecommunications operator Moov Africa has launched the ‘ÇA C’EST CALÉ, Moov Ta Rentrée’ campaign in Ouagadougou, offering digital solutions such as mobile data, calling packages for research, and prepaid fiber Wi-Fi promotions.

In Benin, the government has implemented free tuition for girls in public secondary education to reduce dropout rates.

Senegal is pursuing large-scale modernization through both physical and digital infrastructure reforms. Following the inauguration of a new high school in the Kaolack region, the government has launched an emergency plan under directives from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to accelerate university infrastructure development. This includes a goal to add 10,100 university beds by the end of 2026, with recent completions including facilities at the University of Bambaey and Amadou Makhtar Mbow University. Further housing and dining expansions are planned for Ziguinchor, Fatick, Kaolack, Kaffrine, Tambacounda, and Matam. Additionally, a digital modernization plan for the 2026-2027 school year aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to 6,888 schools to reduce the digital divide in rural areas.