Bénin vision 2060: strengthening scientific and vocational education pathways

From August 5 to 7, 2026, the National Council of Education (CNE) will host its third consultative assembly in Cotonou, focusing on accelerating scientific and technological training pathways. This high-level forum brings together government officials, university leaders, public and private institutions, technical and financial partners, and civil society to shape the future of Bénin’s education system.

Driving industrialization and digital transformation through education

The three-day event, held at the Golden Tulip hotel, centers on aligning education, research, and vocational training with Bénin’s industrial and digital development goals. Discussions will explore strategies to guide learners toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, alongside practical vocational pathways.

Participants include CNE members, government representatives, academics, private sector players, and civil society organizations. The assembly aims to foster collaborative analysis, share best practices, and inform policy decisions to enhance the national education system’s effectiveness.

The CNE’s executive secretary, Clément Chabi, emphasized the council’s role as a national dialogue platform for education stakeholders. He highlighted that sustainable development, economic prosperity, and technological sovereignty depend on investing in youth, research, and human capital quality.

Shaping Bénin’s long-term education strategy

Noël Ahonangnon Gbaguidi, CNE president, underscored the council’s legal and strategic mandate to define national education priorities, coordinate the system, and monitor public policy implementation. Comprising 69 members from public and private sectors, the assembly reviews CNE activity reports and financial accounts before submitting recommendations to improve the education system’s performance.

Over the three days, delegates will assess the implementation of recommendations from previous sessions, with a focus on enhancing teaching quality and aligning educational priorities with the « Bénin 2060 » vision. Strengthening STEM and vocational pathways is seen as critical to fostering innovation, supporting digital transformation, and meeting industrialization demands. The specific implementation mechanisms for the new recommendations will be detailed in the coming weeks.