Strengthening the Digitalisation of the Education System: Commonwealth Praises Côte d’Ivoire’s Model and the Leadership of Minister Mariatou Koné
Côte d’Ivoire Advancing Towards a Digitally Driven Education System
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed its strong commitment to transforming its education system through digital innovation. The Minister of National Education and Literacy, Professor Mariatou Koné, welcomed a delegation from the Commonwealth led by CHAN Étienne BAMA, the organization’s Regional Director for Africa.
The meeting, held in the conference room of the Ministry’s Cabinet, aimed to explore partnership opportunities that could accelerate the digitalisation of the education sector, a process already actively underway in Côte d’Ivoire.
This initiative reflects the country’s growing ambition to modernize learning environments, improve access to education, and strengthen the quality of teaching through technology.
An Inspiring Ivorian Model for the Region
During the discussions, CHAN Étienne BAMA highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s impressive progress in integrating digital technologies into its education system. Accompanied by Pride AZEFOR, Investment Director and strategic partner of Promethean World, a global leader in educational technologies, he praised the country’s forward-looking approach.
According to him, Africa’s rapidly growing population makes the adoption of digital tools essential for expanding educational opportunities.
He emphasized that Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership in educational digitalisation is becoming a reference model for the sub-region. The Commonwealth delegation presented an innovative project designed to support this transformation, including the introduction of digital solutions aimed at securing large-scale national examinations, ensuring the credibility and reliability of academic results and diplomas.
A National Strategy Already in Motion
In response, Minister Mariatou Koné welcomed the Commonwealth’s initiative and reaffirmed that digitalisation has long been a central priority of the Ivorian government.
She highlighted the country’s National Strategy for Digitalisation, which is currently being implemented across various sectors, including education.
According to the Minister, the digital transformation of education is not just an opportunity but a necessary response to the challenges faced by modern educational systems. She also pointed to the General States of National Education and Literacy (EGENA), a national consultation process that identified digital transformation as the fourth key priority among its recommendations.
This strategic vision demonstrates Côte d’Ivoire’s determination to build a modern, innovative, and resilient education system.
Digital Tools as a Solution to Teacher Shortages
Another major benefit of digitalisation, according to the Minister, is its potential to reduce regional inequalities and address the shortage of teachers, a challenge faced by many countries around the world.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Côte d’Ivoire adapted its educational approach by launching the online learning platform “Mon école à la maison” (My School at Home). The platform enabled students across the country to continue learning remotely and has since become an important tool for supporting education beyond traditional classrooms.
Through initiatives like this, digital technology helps ensure continuity of learning while expanding access to educational resources.
A Successful Experience Inspiring Other African Nations
The progress made by Côte d’Ivoire has not gone unnoticed. According to Minister Koné, the country’s digital education model is increasingly attracting attention from other African nations.
She revealed that the Minister of National Education of Cameroon recently visited Côte d’Ivoire to study and draw inspiration from the country’s digital transformation efforts.
Such recognition underscores Côte d’Ivoire’s emerging role as a regional leader in the integration of technology into education.
However, the Minister also stressed that the success of this transformation will depend heavily on strengthening the digital skills and capacities of teachers, ensuring that educators are fully equipped to make effective use of technological tools in the classroom.
A Promising Partnership for the Future of Education
The potential partnership between Côte d’Ivoire and the Commonwealth represents a significant opportunity to accelerate educational innovation across the region.
Experts from both sides will continue discussions, sharing best practices, technological expertise, and strategic insights to ensure the long-term success of this collaboration.
Their shared objective is clear: to sustainably transform teaching and learning while preparing African students for the demands of an increasingly digital world.
Conclusion
Côte d’Ivoire is steadily positioning itself as a leading force in digital education in Africa. With strong political leadership, a clear national strategy, and growing international partnerships, the country is laying the foundations for a modern, inclusive, and technology-driven education system.
The collaboration with the Commonwealth could mark another important milestone in this journey, helping to shape the future of education not only in Côte d’Ivoire but across the African continent.
