Côte d’Ivoire has launched a nationwide initiative to distribute free school kits to more than 4.3 million children in public primary schools as the 2025–2026 academic year begins.
Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé announced that the government is investing the equivalent of $16 million USD to provide school bags, textbooks, and supplies. He said the program is designed to ease the financial burden on families while promoting equal access to education.
The prime minister also unveiled a major teacher recruitment drive, describing it as part of the country’s broader universal education strategy.
He stated that providing school materials to vulnerable students is a key step toward reducing inequalities.
The initiative, which covers the entire national territory, is aligned with President Alassane Ouattara’s social development agenda. Since 2011, the government reports it has distributed more than 57 million free school kits, valued at about $230 million USD.
