As Chair of the Conference of Ministers of Education of Francophone States and Governments (CONFEMEN), Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of National Education, Literacy and Technical Education, N’Guessan Koffi, presented the country’s record at the head of the organization for the 2024–2026 term on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

“During our mandate, Côte d’Ivoire delivered a clear message: education is the foundation of sustainable development, and educational Francophonie must be a driving force for proposals. Our presidency has been marked by continuous advocacy for education. We worked to promote CONFEMEN’s strategic role among partners, enhance its expertise, and strengthen its visibility in international institutions,” he said.

While paying tribute to his predecessor, Minister Mariatou Koné, N’Guessan Koffi also addressed the current ministerial session, which focuses on the theme of “Enhancing the Teaching Profession.”

He stressed that the theme is central to education systems’ priorities, noting that “by repositioning teachers as the central pillar of quality education, we choose to place people at the heart of educational transformation. No reform, however ambitious, can produce lasting results without the commitment, skills, and recognition of those who transmit knowledge and shape future generations.”

He added that teachers should no longer be seen as mere implementers of education policies, but as strategic actors in their success.

This 61st session, which ends on May 1, will include the renewal of CONFEMEN’s governing bodies, the appointment of a new Secretary-General, and the definition of future strategic priorities. The CONFEMEN Bureau will also work on the 2027–2031 strategic plan, establish a monitoring framework for progress toward the 2030 goals, and strengthen international comparisons through the PASEC 2028 education assessment program.