The move comes amid declining French influence in Africa and aims to better position the country in a globalized world. While officials frame the transition as pragmatic, it coincides with strained Franco-Algerian relations and mirrors similar educational shifts in other African nations.
Algeria is embarking on a significant transformation in its education policy by extending its English-language education program in primary schools. This shift aligns with a broader continental trend where African nations are increasingly embracing English, the world’s most widely spoken language, distancing themselves from their colonial pasts.
More than a year after initiating a pilot program introducing English at the elementary level, Algeria is expanding its scope. Starting this academic year, third and fourth-grade students will benefit from two 45-minute English sessions weekly. Concurrently, universities are developing new teacher training programs, underscoring the nation’s commitment to this educational transition.
Strategic choice
Algerian Education Minister Abdelkrim Belabed has characterized this move as a “strategic choice” and commended its successful implementation. The transition takes on added significance against the backdrop of declining French political and economic influence in Africa. Notably, Mali recently removed French as an official language, and Morocco mandated English classes in high schools.
Algeria ranks among the largest French-speaking countries, with nearly 15 million of its 44 million residents fluent in French, according to the International Organization of the French Language. However, Algerian officials emphasize the practicality of adopting English, given its global prominence in business, science and digital domains.
The role of French in Algeria has long been a contentious issue. Some, like retired high school principal Mohamed Arezki Ferdi, regret the delay in introducing English, attributing it to the influence of French-educated elites in Algerian society.
Strained relations
This shift coincides with strained relations between Algeria and France, particularly concerning immigration, extradition, and differing interpretations of their shared colonial history.
Nevertheless, the journey toward English proficiency presents challenges. Ahmed Tessa, a former adviser to Algeria’s Ministry of Education, cautioned that enhancing English proficiency extends beyond increasing classroom hours.
While French will continue to be taught for three hours weekly in elementary schools, subtle indicators suggest a broader linguistic transition. Government ministries have started employing English titles, and during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron last year, the lectern displayed his title and the date in both English and Arabic.
