UNICEF and the Maarif Foundation have signed an agreement to expand access to digital and STEM education for girls in Ivory Coast, as part of efforts to reduce gender disparities in the education system.
The memorandum of understanding was signed on April 7 in Abidjan after a year of negotiations between the two institutions, with a focus on increasing girls’ participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Officials say the partnership aims to address persistent gaps in access to technical and scientific education, where girls remain underrepresented despite significant gains in overall school enrollment.
“This protocol is an opportunity to emphasize girls’ participation in fields that are not traditionally theirs,” said UNICEF representative Jean‑François Basse.
The initiative will leverage the U-Report digital platform, which has more than three million users in Ivory Coast, to promote youth engagement and awareness around education and career opportunities.
Organisers say U-Report will be used to reach young people across the country, including in rural areas, encouraging participation in STEM disciplines and civic activities.
The programme also includes the development of practical training schemes aimed at improving employability among vulnerable groups, particularly adolescent girls.
The agreement comes as Ivory Coast continues to modernise its education sector and expand access to schooling.
According to official data, girls’ enrollment rates have risen sharply over the past decade, increasing from 33 percent in 2011 to 83 percent in 2024.
Despite this progress, challenges remain in transitioning students into technical and scientific streams, which are seen as critical for future job markets.
The Maarif Foundation, which operates an expanding international network of schools, is expected to contribute pedagogical expertise to complement UNICEF’s development programmes.
Officials say the collaboration is designed to empower young people as agents of change, while strengthening links between education and labour market needs.
The agreement also builds on commitments made during recent national technology initiatives and includes support for events such as the Fête de la Science, aimed at promoting scientific culture among young people.
Analysts say expanding access to STEM education for girls could play a key role in closing gender gaps in employment and supporting long-term economic growth.
The partnership reflects a broader trend across Africa to prioritise digital skills and innovation as drivers of development, particularly among youth populations.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could help create a more inclusive education system and better prepare the next generation for participation in a technology-driven global economy.
