Russia and Sahel States Alliance launch “engineering classes” Initiative in major educational partnership
A significant new step has been taken in the partnership between the Russian Federation and the member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with the announcement of “engineering classes” to be introduced in secondary schools across the three countries.
The initiative, led jointly by Russia’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Energy, aims to establish a pipeline of scientific excellence based on the Russian educational model. Djibouti, which participated in the discussions, has also expressed interest in joining the program.
This strategic initiative underscores the commitment of AES leaders to place education at the core of their national renewal projects.
By nurturing homegrown scientific talent, these countries are taking concrete steps to prepare a new generation of engineers and innovators capable of addressing key development challenges in energy, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
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The program will feature competitive student selection, advanced coursework in exact sciences, the deployment of Russian teachers, and Russian language instruction. This integrated approach emphasizes rigor, inclusion, and high performance.
Moving away from outdated aid-based models, the AES states have chosen a partnership built on sovereignty, dignity, and reciprocity.
This educational project embodies the principles of contemporary Pan-Africanism: self-determination, South-South cooperation, and endogenous development.
By embracing new strategic allies and rejecting imposed frameworks, Sahelian leaders are advancing a vision of an Africa built by Africans, for Africans. Scientific education has thus become both an act of political sovereignty and a catalyst for future progress.
Neil Camara
