The Project to Improve Learning Outcomes in Basic Education (PARAEB) has been launched in Chad, on July 22, introducing a unique regional approach aimed at strengthening education across the Sahel. Anchored in a vision of transforming education into a catalyst for long-term development, PARAEB is part of the broader RELANCE initiative, which underscores the commitment to equipping future generations with the skills and knowledge to thrive.
“Shaping minds is about charting the path to a brighter future. Like a carefully planted seed, an ambitious education policy carries the promise of progress”, said Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, during the project’s unveiling. Over 850.000 young people, half of whom are girls, will be supported by this project estimated at over $137 million in Mauritania and Chad.
The initiative reflects a renewed focus on regional solidarity and cooperation, particularly between Mauritania and Chad, who have embraced education as a cornerstone of their shared development agenda. By investing in foundational learning and system reforms, the RELANCE initiative seeks to foster informed, empowered, and resilient generations capable of navigating the complex socio-economic challenges of the 21st century. The project goes beyond traditional interventions by focusing on inclusive, scalable, and locally owned solutions that address the root causes of learning deficits.
Designed as an open regional platform, PARAEB sets the groundwork for broader participation from other Sahel countries interested in improving educational outcomes. Its ambition is to create a more integrated and responsive Sahelian educational space—one that reflects the aspirations of a youthful, dynamic population eager for opportunity. As a pioneering regional education effort, it signals a vital step forward in unifying fragmented national education systems and in promoting long-term stability, innovation, and human capital development across the Sahel.