On September 25, 2026, Senegal's Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou LÔ presided over an interministerial council at the Building administratif Président Mamadou Dia to discuss preparations for the 2026-2027 school year. The council aimed to ensure a successful start to the new academic year and smooth implementation of teaching and learning activities. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration among ministers to achieve these goals. Key stakeholders, including education officials and partners, attended the meeting.
The interministerial council resulted in 27 decisions to ensure a successful school year. These decisions focus on making educational structures functional, clean, and safe. Ministries responsible for education, infrastructure, and environment are working together to address issues such as school infrastructure rehabilitation, sanitation, and electricity. The government also aims to finalize the deployment of personnel, school supplies, and equipment.
The Prime Minister commended the government, social partners, and stakeholders for their efforts in implementing directives from the previous year's interministerial council. Out of 32 directives, 14 were fully executed, achieving a 43.75% implementation rate. Eighteen directives, accounting for 55.25%, are in progress. The Prime Minister urged ministers to expedite the implementation of remaining directives.
To ensure a smooth start to the 2026-2027 school year, the government has prioritized several areas. The Ministries of Education, Higher Education, and Professional Training, in coordination with other relevant ministries, will focus on finalizing actions to make educational structures functional and safe. This includes liberating schools affected by the rainy season, pumping, filling, and beautification.
The government also emphasized the need to address challenges related to personnel, school supplies, and equipment. The Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Planning, in collaboration with education ministries, will prioritize the payment of exam-related allowances to teachers. Additionally, the government will ensure that teaching and learning activities continue during the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
To support students during the YOG, the government will provide targeted pedagogical support to 151 student-athletes and ensure the availability of computer equipment and digital resources. The government will also monitor the implementation of online courses at the Amadou Makhtar MBOW University, starting November 17, 2026. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education will work with other ministries to establish a bimester of school cleanliness before and after the YOG.
The government has outlined several key initiatives to improve the education sector. These include accelerating curriculum reform, strengthening STEM education, and consolidating partnerships with various stakeholders to promote civic education. The government will also prioritize the implementation of the National Initiative for Humanistic Transformation of Education (NITHÉ) and organize a national forum on inclusion during the first semester of the 2026-2027 school year.
Key points
- The Senegalese government has taken steps to ensure a successful 2026-2027 school year, including prioritizing the implementation of directives from the previous year's interministerial council and addressing challenges related to personnel, school supplies, and equipment.
- The government has emphasized the importance of collaboration among ministers and stakeholders to achieve its education goals.
- Key initiatives to improve the education sector include accelerating curriculum reform, strengthening STEM education, and promoting civic education.
