The Ivorian Minister of Higher Education has reaffirmed the country’s ambition to place at least one of its universities among the top 20 African institutions by 2030. This strategy relies on recognized international rankings such as Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai).

The minister emphasized that the initiative aims to increase the visibility, competitiveness, and quality of the Ivorian higher education system while promoting internationalization and research output.

The Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB) is a prime example of this progress. According to the Top University Rank 2025, the institution climbed nine positions, moving from 36th to 27th place in Africa. Two other Ivorian institutions, ENSEA and ESATIC, are also included in this continental ranking, at 114th and 146th positions respectively.

These improvements reflect a concrete commitment by Ivorian universities to enhance academic and research standards. However, reaching the African top 20 remains ambitious, as international rankings evaluate not only teaching and research quality but also internationalization and global reputation.

Achieving this goal requires reforms such as modernizing university governance, strengthening research and innovation, increasing scientific output, and fostering international collaboration. The government also plans to provide financial support to universities for research projects and global partnerships.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop human capital and position Côte d’Ivoire as an educational hub in West Africa. It reflects the country’s determination to meet global standards and create opportunities for students and researchers.

In summary, the goal of entering the top 20 African universities by 2030 is ambitious but achievable if reforms and investments continue at the current pace. Recent progress signals a positive trajectory for the Ivorian higher education system on both the continental and international stages.