The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) recently organized a workshop in Cotonou, Benin, from November 3 to 5, 2026, to help the country develop a national plan to strengthen its education data production, reporting, and utilization. The workshop aimed to validate the plan and enhance Benin's capacity to produce and use education data. This initiative is part of the "Raising the Challenge of Education Data and Skills in Africa" (ESDC) project, which supports African countries in improving their education data systems.
The workshop built on the recommendations from a needs assessment report, which identified key constraints, priorities, and opportunities for strengthening Benin's national education data system. Participants worked together to consolidate a monitoring and evaluation framework with clear performance indicators, identify key communication and advocacy areas, and develop corresponding action points. The report highlighted several recommendations for Benin's education ministries, which will be used to guide the development of the national plan.
Benin is one of the countries in the second cohort of the ESDC project, which aims to support African countries in strengthening their education data systems. Eugène Arnaud Yombo Sembe, ADEA's Project Manager for Education Data, explained that an expert was assigned to work on the needs assessment report, which outlined recommendations for Benin's education ministries. The workshop brought together focal points from ADEA, representatives from Benin's three education ministries, and planning directors to elaborate on the national plan.
Having reliable data is crucial for informed decision-making, particularly in education. Martin Essoun, Director of Planning at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, emphasized the importance of having accurate data for resource allocation. "If data is not reliable, we make decisions that require resources, but the objectives may not be achieved," he stressed. The workshop aimed to ensure that Benin's education data system is robust and reliable.
The national plan will help Benin to improve the production, reporting, and utilization of education data. This will enable the country's education ministries to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively. The plan is expected to be finalized following the workshop, with ADEA providing support to implement the agreed-upon actions.
The "Raising the Challenge of Education Data and Skills in Africa" (ESDC) project is working with 30 countries to improve their education data systems. Benin's participation in the project is expected to enhance its capacity to produce and use education data, ultimately improving the quality of education in the country.
The development of the national plan marks a significant step towards improving education data production in Benin. With ADEA's support, the country is expected to make progress in strengthening its education data system, which will inform decision-making and resource allocation in the education sector.
Key points
- ADEA organized a workshop to help Benin develop a national plan to strengthen its education data production, reporting, and utilization.
- The plan aims to improve the production, reporting, and utilization of education data in Benin.
- The initiative is part of the "Raising the Challenge of Education Data and Skills in Africa" (ESDC) project, which supports African countries in improving their education data systems.
