Côte d’Ivoire’s educational transformation with ‘pleins feux’ initiative

The Pleins Feux initiative, unveiled in Abidjan in April 2026, represents a pivotal milestone in Ivory Coast‘s ongoing educational reform agenda led by President Alassane Ouattara. Supported by international partners, this program aims to enhance the governance of the country’s educational system and boost the efficiency of public policies to ensure sustainable improvements in learning outcomes.

Scaling up education in Ivory Coast: recruitment, infrastructure, and accessibility

Since 2011, Ivory Coast has significantly expanded its teaching workforce, recruiting over 69,000 teachers for primary schools and more than 30,000 for secondary education. Recent efforts have prioritized STEM disciplines, with 1,800 additional educators deployed in mathematics and physical sciences to address labor market demands and support the country’s economic transformation goals.

The government has also accelerated investments in school infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to reduce travel distances for students and minimize dropout rates. New educational facilities have been constructed nationwide, enhancing access to schooling. Notably, the opening of the CAFOP in Boundiali in the northern region reflects this commitment, along with the high participation in teacher training entrance exams, which attracted nearly 68,000 applicants in 2026 for approximately 7,000 available spots—a clear indication of the structured efforts to strengthen the teaching profession.

Prioritizing school climate and inclusion for better learning outcomes

Improving teaching conditions has become a cornerstone of Ivory Coast’s educational policy. Between 2011 and 2025, entry-level salaries in primary education rose by over 30%, while secondary education saw increases of up to 15%. These adjustments have bolstered the teaching profession’s appeal and contributed to staff stability. Additionally, the focus on school environments has intensified, with initiatives like specialized educational materials for students with disabilities fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

Preventive measures have also been implemented to secure academic pathways. Campaigns targeting school-related pregnancies aim to reduce disruptions and encourage students to remain in the educational system. These efforts align with the broader goal of creating a supportive and equitable learning environment for all.

Pleins Feux: a governance-focused approach to educational reform

Launched in April 2026 in Abidjan, the Pleins Feux project is designed to strengthen the governance and execution of educational policies, rather than focusing on infrastructure or personnel. The initiative, developed in collaboration with UNESCO, the African Union, and the Global Education Monitoring Report, resulted from two years of collaborative work in Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Ethiopia.

The program targets the enhancement of decision-making and pedagogical leadership capacities to translate policy into tangible results. This strategy comes at a time when international partners acknowledge Ivory Coast’s progress in foundational learning. By leveraging diverse partnerships—spanning international, regional, and private sectors—the country continues to advance its vision for a transformed and high-performing educational system.