Bénin 2060: education council prioritizes STEM and vocational training

From August 5 to 7, 2026, the National Council for Education (Conseil national de l’Éducation, CNE) will convene its third consultative assembly in Cotonou. The focus of this meeting: accelerating the development of scientific, technological, and professional training pathways. Bringing together government officials, university leaders, public and private institutions, technical and financial partners, and civil society representatives, the event aims to redefine Benin’s educational priorities.

Building a future-ready education system

The three-day assembly, hosted at the Golden Tulip hotel in Cotonou, centers on aligning Benin’s education sector with the demands of industrialization and digital transformation. Discussions will explore strategies to steer students toward scientific, technological, and vocational fields—areas critical for driving innovation and economic growth. The goal is to ensure that Benin’s workforce is equipped with the skills needed to compete globally by 2060.

Collaborative dialogue for national progress

The consultative assembly gathers key stakeholders, including members of the CNE, government representatives, academics, private and public institutions, and civil society leaders. This platform serves as a space for sharing insights, analyzing challenges, and shaping public policies to enhance the education system. The central theme: fostering sustainable development through investment in youth, research, and human capital.

CNE Executive Secretary Clément Chabi emphasized the council’s role as a national dialogue framework. In his address, he highlighted that the future prosperity and technological sovereignty of Benin depend on the quality of its education system and the empowerment of its youth.

Evaluating progress toward Benin 2060

As the lead body for educational policy, the CNE is tasked with defining national priorities, coordinating the education system, and monitoring public decisions. Comprising 69 members from public and private sectors, the council reviews activity reports and financial accounts, then formulates recommendations to improve the system’s performance.

During this session, participants will assess the implementation of recommendations from previous assemblies. Key topics include enhancing teaching quality and aligning educational priorities with the Bénin 2060 vision. Strengthening STEM and vocational pathways is seen as a strategic lever to support innovation, digital transformation, and industrial growth. While the exact implementation details remain under discussion, the council is committed to actionable solutions.