Benin: 30 billion FCFA for a strengthened start to the economic year

In Benin, the start of the 2026-2027 academic year will be supported by a financial investment of nearly 30 billion CFA francs. School canteens, desks and benches, university transportation, and scholarships are central to the measures planned for this new academic year.

In primary education, 1,9 million students are expected to benefit from school canteens, compared to 1,4 million previously.

At the secondary level, 12,000 desks and benches are planned, with work underway in several schools. Public universities will also see their transportation system strengthened with 63 new buses.

University scholarships will also see an increase of up to 49%, depending on the field of study. Free tuition for girls in secondary technical programs is also among the measures announced.

The government is finally planning specific support for high school graduates with severe disabilities enrolled in public universities.

The challenge now will be to make these measures a reality in schools and universities.

Yolande Bazié