Côte d’Ivoire’s funding for school feeding has risen from 3.35 billion CFA francs in 2024 to 12.39 billion CFA francs in 2026, an increase of nearly 270% in two years. The government aims to expand the coverage of school canteens and improve the regularity of meals served to pupils.
The figures were announced on October 9 in Yamoussoukro by N’Guessan Koffi, Minister of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education, during a ceremony honoring and rewarding stakeholders involved in school feeding.
“The task now is to expand territorial coverage and increase the regularity of meals, prioritizing regions where needs are most pressing,” the minister said, highlighting the government’s increased budgetary commitment.
According to data from the Directorate of School Canteens for the 2025–2026 academic year, more than one million pupils benefit from meals served through approximately 5,600 school canteens across the country.
Olivia Hantz, the country representative and director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Côte d’Ivoire, said school feeding supports children’s education, health and nutrition while creating economic opportunities for rural communities.
She highlighted the role of agricultural groups in supplying canteens with cereals, vegetables and other locally produced foods suited to children’s dietary habits. Hantz called for stronger production and storage capacities, reduced post-harvest losses and better organization of food supplies to schools.
Jérôme Kobon Ayékoé, director of school canteens, said agricultural groups, communities, non-governmental organizations, local partners and businesses had contributed 1,500 tonnes of food supplies to 2,910 school canteens.
He also acknowledged contributions from individuals, including food donations, the construction and rehabilitation of canteens, and the provision of equipment.
The increased funding comes as the government seeks to extend the school feeding programme to more schools and ensure that pupils receive meals more regularly, with priority given to regions with the greatest needs. Strengthening local agricultural supply chains is also expected to improve food provision for schools while supporting rural economies.