A new era has opened for Côte d’Ivoire’s education sector with N’Guessan Koffi officially assuming office as Minister of National Education, Literacy, and Technical Training.
Koffi took over on Friday from Professor Mariatou Koné following the January 23, 2026 cabinet reshuffle, during a handover ceremony attended by government officials and community leaders. Formerly in charge of Technical Training and Apprenticeship, the new minister steps into his role with a clear mandate: reposition schools as the backbone of a “Greater Ivory Coast.”
At the heart of Koffi’s agenda is what he describes as a “solidarity around education,” anchored on the belief that learning is the most powerful driver of national development. He stressed the importance of strengthening the teacher–student relationship, describing it as the critical human link needed to improve academic outcomes and rebuild confidence in the school system.
Drawing on his experience as both a trainer and administrator, Koffi signalled a shift away from routine public-sector management toward a more collaborative and results-oriented approach to education delivery.
His broader vision is to align education with the realities of today’s economy by transforming classrooms into “factories of skills.” This includes producing a wide spectrum of talent—from skilled artisans and technicians to engineers and top-level managers—equipped with market-ready expertise.
By prioritising quality teaching and practical skills, the ministry aims to boost the competitiveness of Ivorian graduates, enhance the international profile of the country’s schools, and ensure education plays a central role in national growth.
