As the academic year 2026-2027 approaches, the Bénin government has rolled out a sweeping educational reform package, backed by a substantial 30 billion FCFA investment. The initiative targets every level of the education system, from primary schools to public universities, with a dual focus on modernization and inclusive access.
Primary and early education: Expanding school feeding programs
The government is doubling down on its school feeding program, a cornerstone of its social inclusion strategy. Nearly 500,000 additional students in rural and peri-urban areas will now benefit from daily hot meals, increasing total coverage to 1.9 million children. This expansion follows the recent addition of a contingency plan for border regions facing security challenges, which includes infrastructure upgrades and targeted support for teachers and students.
Secondary and technical education: Empowering girls through free education
In a bold move to reduce gender disparities, the government has extended its tuition fee waiver to all female students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. To address overcrowding and improve learning conditions, 12,000 new student desks are being distributed across General Education Colleges (CEG), while select girls’ high schools are undergoing targeted renovations.
Higher education: Boosting scholarships and campus mobility
The university sector receives a significant financial boost, with scholarships increasing by up to 49% depending on the field of study. Additional measures include higher back-to-school allowances and adjusted excellence scholarships for students pursuing studies abroad. Mobility is also being enhanced with 63 new buses commissioned to serve the four public universities—Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Université de Parakou, UNA Kétou, and UNSTIM Abomey—along major intercity routes.
University campuses are set to benefit from a comprehensive rehabilitation program targeting student restaurants and infirmaries, along with the recruitment of qualified medical staff. A new automatic scholarship scheme will also support students with severe disabilities entering public universities.
Next steps: Ensuring seamless implementation
All relevant ministries have been tasked with finalizing operational arrangements before the academic year begins. With this financial injection, the government aims to foster social stability and unlock the potential of Bénin’s youth through quality, accessible education.
