Côte d’Ivoire advances education reform with national languages policy

Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire — Côte d’Ivoire is taking a significant step toward educational transformation by prioritizing the integration of national languages into its school system. This initiative aims to preserve cultural heritage while enhancing learning outcomes and inclusivity.

Collaborative efforts to shape a new educational framework

A three-day workshop held in Grand-Bassam from July 10 to 12, 2026, brought together educators, linguists, and development partners to review and validate findings from field research on the proposed national languages education policy. Under the leadership of Minister of National Education, Literacy, and Technical Training N’Guessan Koffi, participants discussed strategies to embed local languages into the curriculum effectively.

Mah Louhan Mamadou, Director of Adult Literacy and Non-Formal Education (DAAJE), highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Côte d’Ivoire’s linguistic diversity is a cultural treasure that must be preserved and leveraged to improve education quality. This policy will ensure our languages serve as bridges to knowledge, especially for younger generations.”

Aligning education with national realities

Mabintou Diomandé Cherif, Secretary-General of the Inspectorate General, emphasized the need for education policies to reflect local contexts. She stated: “In a rapidly changing world, our educational system must adapt to reduce inequalities, promote inclusion, and prepare students for future economic and technological shifts. National languages are a vital tool in making learning more accessible and relevant.”

Strategic outcomes for future generations

The workshop’s recommendations will form the backbone of a finalized policy document guiding the use of national languages in Côte d’Ivoire’s education system. The ultimate goal? To create an inclusive, culturally grounded learning environment that boosts academic success while safeguarding the nation’s linguistic heritage.

This initiative underscores Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to educational equity and cultural preservation, positioning national languages as key drivers of progress.