Benin: Armand Kuyema Natta listens to education stakeholders in the Mono and Couffo.

Accompanied by Ministerial Advisor Paulin Gbenou and members of his office, Armand Kuyema Natta met with education sector professionals in Lokossa, in the Mono department, and then in Couffo. This tour aims to establish direct dialogue with decentralized structures and field actors to identify priorities and challenges they face.

The Prefect of Mono, Bienvenu Dêdêgnon Milohin, welcomed the delegation. He presented the ministerial visit as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the central administration and local services, particularly to seek tailored responses to the needs of the departments.

Before the gathered stakeholders, the minister outlined his actions around two main axes: consolidating achievements and innovation. He cited the results of the 2026 Primary School Certificate (CEP) as a reference indicator while emphasizing girls’ education, keeping students in school, and monitoring the implementation of programs.

Artificial Intelligence at the Heart of Educational Transformation

The second priority raised by Armand Kuyema Natta concerns adapting the education system to technological changes. The minister called for consideration of digitalization, computing, digital technology, and artificial intelligence in educational policies.

Ministerial Advisor Paulin Gbenou also emphasized the need to accelerate this transformation. He presented artificial intelligence as a lever to integrate into efforts to preserve and improve the achievements of the education system.

The representatives of the educational services reaffirmed their readiness to support the ministry’s orientations. Through Sylvain Mikponhoué, head of the Houéyogbé school district, they expressed several grievances, particularly regarding the strengthening of dialogue with the authorities and the provision of computer equipment and transport means.

The tour is set to continue in the departments of Zou and Collines. The detailed schedule for the next steps has not been disclosed.