Algeria has unveiled an ambitious initiative to strengthen education across the African continent by offering 2,500 scholarships annually to students from various African countries. The program includes 2,000 scholarships for higher education and 500 for vocational training, complementing the 6,000 African students already pursuing studies in Algeria.
The announcement was made by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during the 2024 Continental Conference held in Mauritania under the theme “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century.” The conference focused on strategies to build resilient educational systems capable of addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
President Tebboune reiterated Algeria’s commitment to African solidarity and educational development, emphasizing the country’s long-standing role in fostering opportunities for African youth. “Since independence, Algeria has welcomed 65,000 young African students and continues to invest in education, teaching, and training across the continent. My country is dedicated to contributing to the advancement of education in Africa,” he stated.
As part of this effort, Algeria plans to establish an education bank for Africa through the Algerian Agency for International Cooperation (AACI). The bank will fund education-related projects, including human resource development and improvements in school infrastructure in African nations.
Experts have lauded Algeria’s initiative as a significant step toward addressing critical educational gaps on the continent. It is also seen as a strategic move to enhance Algeria’s influence in regional alliances by leveraging education as a tool for soft power and knowledge diplomacy.
President Tebboune emphasized the broader vision of collaboration through education, saying, “This initiative underscores our commitment to building bridges through student exchanges between African peoples, reflecting the vision of our African Union founders.”
Through this scholarship program and related initiatives, Algeria aims to nurture a new generation of African leaders equipped to tackle the continent’s pressing challenges and contribute to its development. The initiative reflects a broader aspiration for unity and cooperation among African nations, promoting shared growth and progress through education.
Article by RB Reporter
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