The country
Benin is a West African country whose economy is mainly based on agriculture, trade and the informal sector. Despite stable economic growth, poverty remains high, affecting around 40% of the population. Access to basic services, notably education and healthcare, is limited by a lack of infrastructure and resources. The population is young, with almost 40% under the age of 14, putting pressure on the education and employment systems. Gender inequalities and the financial insecurity of families also hamper human and social development.
Education challenges
The education situation in Benin is marked by a high drop-out rate and a gradual decline in enrolment as pupils progress through the grades. While around 70% of girls and 77% of boys complete primary school, only 35% and 39% respectively finish lower secondary school. Gender inequalities are even more marked in higher education, where the enrolment rate is 15% for men and only 8% for women.
The main factors behind this low level of education include educational poverty, lack of infrastructure and qualified teachers, as well as socio-cultural challenges such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy. What’s more, although the legal framework guarantees equitable access to education, its application remains limited due to a lack of awareness and motivation among sector players. Finally, the financial contribution required from parents in public schools hinders the enrolment of children from the most disadvantaged families, in contradiction with the country’s constitutional principles.
ASED has been present in Benin since 2014.
Sources: Institut National de la Statistique et de la Démographie (INStaD) / World Bank / Perspective Monde / Population Reference Bureau (PRB) / World Bank