Bénin education minister outlines new vision for primary schools

The Minister of Preschool and Primary Education, Armand Kuyema Natta, launched an official tour on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in the Ouémé and Plateau departments. This first public engagement marked his official induction and served as an opportunity to engage with sector leaders and outline his strategic priorities—balancing existing achievements with forward-thinking reforms.

Minister outlines dual strategy for education reform

Accompanied by senior advisor Paulin Gbenou, Minister Armand Kuyema Natta met with departmental directors, technical and central division heads, and leaders of institutions under his ministry. Discussions centered on operational efficiency and the most pressing challenges facing early childhood and primary education professionals.

In his address, the Minister framed his agenda around two core objectives: strengthening past achievements and driving innovation. He urged teams to sustain progress made in recent years while introducing new initiatives to enhance the education system. Emphasizing collaborative leadership, he positioned himself as a dedicated partner to field-level decision-makers and stressed the need for ongoing dialogue.

The Minister highlighted notable gains in the 2026 Certificat d’études primaires (CEP) results, as well as the successful implementation of programs and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. He underscored that rising success rates should motivate stakeholders to maintain momentum and reinforce existing frameworks across all levels.

School leaders call for urgent support

Education leaders shared pressing concerns, including the need for additional teaching staff, enhanced initial and ongoing teacher training, and expanded access to computer equipment for central and technical divisions. These gaps, they argued, directly impact the quality and efficiency of service delivery in the sector.

Another key issue raised was the planned relocation of services to the Cité administrative d’Ahossougbéta. Minister Armand Kuyema Natta acknowledged government efforts to expedite this transition, though he did not provide a specific timeline or implementation details.

The road ahead: continuing consultations across departments

The Minister’s tour continues today, July 30, with visits to the Atlantique and Littoral departments. These engagements aim to deepen his understanding of local challenges and gather firsthand insights into the operational realities facing educators on the ground.