Mamies MAGGI literacy program empowers women in Côte d’Ivoire to finish primary education

Five women between the ages of 19 and 60 in Côte d’Ivoire have completed their primary school exams, marking a breakthrough moment for the Mamies MAGGI literacy program.

The initiative, led by Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire in partnership with UNESCO, gives women traders the chance to pursue the education they missed as children — while continuing to run their businesses in bustling markets.

Women traders achieve a milestone

The program focuses on teaching reading, writing, and math, alongside practical business skills. For many participants, it’s the first time they’ve held a pencil or read a sentence.

The five women who passed their exams are part of a growing group of traders empowered to manage their businesses and support their families with newfound confidence. They can now read shopping lists, calculate sales, and navigate daily life with greater independence.

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Launched in 2017, the initiative has supported more than 2,500 women in Abidjan, many of whom sell Maggi cubes and food products. In Côte d’Ivoire, around 51 percent of the population is illiterate, with women disproportionately affected. Two out of three women are unable to read or write, making literacy a critical tool for empowerment.

Education meets daily life

Classes are held in the heart of the market to fit the women’s schedules. Participants also receive mobile phones loaded with a learning app so they can study on the go.

“Before, I felt blind. Now I see. I can take the bus on my own, write my name and phone number, read my clients’ shopping lists, and manage my purchases and sales with confidence,” said Yonkaho Guinssalou, a trader at Koumassi Market and president of the local women’s association.

UNESCO provides educational expertise to adapt the program to adult learners’ needs. Together, the organizations are building a sustainable model that strengthens communities while uplifting individuals.

The Mamies MAGGI literacy program goes beyond teaching basic skills. It builds confidence, independence, and hope. Graduates are not only growing their businesses but also helping their children with homework and taking on stronger roles in their communities.