How girls’ entry to the last primary grade changed in three West African countries

Côte d’Ivoire narrowed its gap with Ghana

The gap between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire was about 32.34 percentage points in 2000. In 2024 it was 17.28 points. Côte d’Ivoire recorded the larger increase over the period, from 29.13% to 80.82%. Source 1

Senegal’s series rose with year-to-year variation

Senegal moved from 32.13% in 2000 to 73.89% in 2024. The series was lower in 2022 at 60.79%. The display keeps the intervening observations so that comparisons can use more than two dates. Source 1

The ratio can exceed 100%

The numerator includes girls entering the grade even if they are younger or older than the standard age. The denominator includes only girls of the official age. Ghana’s 2012 observation is therefore possible at 100.25%. Source 3

The last grade is the measurement point

Although the World Bank labels the indicator primary completion, the method counts pupils entering the last grade. It cannot adjust for pupils who leave during that grade. A study of graduation, learning or progression into secondary school needs other data. Source 3

Sources

• UNESCO Institute for Statistics primary completion indicator via World Bank WDI
• World Bank data API, selected countries
• World Bank indicator definition and UNESCO UIS attribution