Togo: English to be introduced in primary schools from the start of the 2025-2026 academic year to prepare young people for international challenges

The recent educational reform launched by the government of Togo marks a decisive turning point in the development of the national education system, particularly in the field of foreign languages. Starting from the 2025-2026 school year, English instruction will be extended to CM1 and CM2 classes (4th and 5th grade), before becoming a compulsory subject in all pre-school and primary schools across the country.

This initiative, which follows a pilot program begun in 2023, reflects not only a response to the challenges of globalization but also a strategic investment in the future of Togolese youth.

The ambition of this reform, led by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, is part of a broader vision of education as a lever for development.

By introducing English at the primary level, Togo is setting its students on the path to functional bilingualism, thereby opening up opportunities in the international marketplace and enhancing the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

This decision goes far beyond a simple adaptation to the modern world; it stands as a vector for social transformation, enabling younger generations to navigate with ease in a globalized environment and thrive in various sectors where mastery of foreign languages is a key skill.

This reform will foster the emergence of a new generation of students, fully equipped to seize international economic and professional opportunities.

Furthermore, it will consolidate the position of Togo as a key player in multilateral cooperation, particularly within the Commonwealth, with which the country maintains increasingly strengthened relations.

This reform is also a powerful driver for improving the quality of education, as it falls under the broader framework of the Sectoral Plan for Education, which aims to guarantee an inclusive, equitable, and quality school for all.

This initiative is a bet on the future that already enjoys the support of all stakeholders in the education sector, and which, without a doubt, will yield tangible results in the years to come.

Kodjovi Makafui