A high-level international conference opened Tuesday in Dakar with the goal of advancing the integration of national languages into Africa’s education systems.
The event, convened by Senegal’s Minister of National Education Moustapha Guirassy, is seen as a pivotal step toward rethinking how language policy can enhance learning and inclusion across the continent.
Held from July 8 to 10 under the theme “Multilingualism and Diversity in Schools”, the conference is organized by the Institute of Francophonie for Education and Training (IFEF), in collaboration with the Senegalese government and international partners.
It brings together ministers, academics, educators, and global organizations to examine how multilingual education can boost academic performance and support social cohesion.
At the heart of the gathering are six pilot projects launched in Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Madagascar, and Senegal.
Preliminary data from these initiatives show promising outcomes: improved student comprehension, lower dropout rates, and deeper community engagement.
The projects suggest that teaching in mother tongues can enrich learning by reinforcing students’ cultural identity and cognitive development.
The Dakar meeting goes beyond showcasing success stories. It delves into the technical and financial obstacles of expanding these reforms continent-wide.
Delegates are addressing challenges such as curriculum development, teacher training, textbook production in local languages, and sustainable funding. There is also an emphasis on establishing common benchmarks and support systems to guide participating countries.
“Integrating national languages into schools does not mean turning our backs on French or on openness to the world,” said Minister Moustapha Guirassy. “It means giving children the keys to learning better, faster, and with more meaning.”
The event is expected to culminate in a set of policy recommendations aimed at helping African nations reshape their education systems to reflect local linguistic realities while fostering equitable and sustainable development.
With Senegal positioning itself as a leader in language-inclusive education, the conference marks a significant stride toward reforming learning environments that are more accessible, relevant, and rooted in Africa’s rich linguistic heritage.
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