Bénin 2060: education council prioritizes science and tech training

Bénin 2060: education council prioritizes science and tech training

From August 5 to 7, 2026, the National Education Council (CNE) of Bénin will convene its third consultative assembly in Cotonou. The event, focused on advancing scientific, technological, and vocational training, will bring together government officials, academic leaders, private and public institutions, technical partners, financial backers, and civil society representatives to shape the future of Bénin’s education system.

Students engaging in vocational training in Bénin

The three-day gathering, hosted at the Golden Tulip hotel, aims to strengthen the alignment between education, research, and professional training with Bénin’s industrialization and digital transformation goals. Discussions will center on strategies to guide learners toward high-demand fields in science, technology, and vocational disciplines.

Key stakeholders unite to shape Bénin’s educational future

The assembly will include members of the CNE, government representatives, university leaders, public and private sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations. The goal is to foster collaboration, share insights, and develop actionable recommendations to enhance the national education system.

Clément Chabi, Executive Secretary of the CNE, emphasized the role of education in driving sustainable development, prosperity, and technological sovereignty. He highlighted the importance of investing in youth, research, and human capital as foundational pillars for the nation’s progress.

Evaluating progress and setting the course for Bénin 2060

Noël Ahonangnon Gbaguidi, President of the CNE, underscored the council’s legal and strategic responsibilities. The CNE is tasked with defining major educational orientations, coordinating the national education system, and monitoring public policy implementation in the sector.

The 69-member assembly will review activity reports and financial accounts, then propose recommendations to improve the efficiency and performance of Bénin’s education system. Over the three days, participants will assess the implementation of past recommendations and explore ways to enhance teaching quality and align educational priorities with the Bénin 2060 vision.

The CNE views the strengthening of scientific, technological, and vocational pathways as critical to fostering innovation, supporting digital transformation, and meeting the demands of industrial growth. While the specific action plans from this session remain to be finalized, the dialogue aims to lay the groundwork for long-term educational reform.