Algeria shifts from French to English in schools

Algeria is preparing to reduce the role of French in its education system and promote English as the primary foreign language, according to Le Monde.fr. The move, part of a broader curriculum modernization effort led by the Ministry of National Education, reflects a strategic pivot toward global economic integration and digital transformation.

The decision follows years of debate over language policy in Algeria, where French has long been the dominant foreign language in schools, government, and business. While Arabic remains the official language and Tamazight was recognized as a national language in 2002, French has maintained a strong presence due to historical ties. However, recent reforms signal a shift. The Ministry of National Education has begun revising school curricula to prioritize English from primary school onward, with plans to phase out French as a compulsory subject in favor of English in secondary education.

This transition is not merely linguistic—it carries significant economic implications. Algeria’s government has increasingly framed English as a tool for competitiveness in global markets. In a 2024 report by the Ministry of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, English proficiency was cited as a barrier to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and expanding exports. The report noted that only 15% of Algerian professionals in key sectors such as energy, technology, and pharmaceuticals were fluent in English, compared to 40% in French. This gap has limited Algeria’s ability to engage with international partners, particularly in non-Francophone markets.

For entrepreneurs and business founders, the shift presents both opportunities and challenges. Startups in Algiers, Oran, and Annaba have already begun adapting. Tech hubs like the Cyberparc of Sidi Abdellah and the Algerian Startup Fund (Fonds Algérien des Startups) have started offering English-language training programs to support founders in scaling beyond Francophone Africa. The move aligns with Algeria’s growing focus on digital entrepreneurship, with the government launching initiatives such as the “Digital Algeria 2025” strategy, which aims to increase the contribution of the digital economy to GDP from 3% in 2023 to 10% by 2027.

The Algerian diaspora, particularly in English-speaking countries like Canada, the UK, and the US, could play a pivotal role in this transition. Many Algerian expatriates have built careers in tech, finance, and engineering—sectors where English is the lingua franca. The government has signaled interest in leveraging this talent pool, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently launching programs to encourage diaspora investment and knowledge transfer. In 2024, remittances from the Algerian diaspora reached $2.1 billion, according to the Bank of Algeria, with a growing share coming from English-speaking countries.

However, the transition is not without hurdles. French remains deeply embedded in Algeria’s administrative and legal systems. Many public-sector contracts, including those in the energy sector—Algeria’s economic backbone—are still drafted in French. The Ministry of Justice has acknowledged the need for legal reforms to accommodate English in commercial and investment agreements, but progress has been slow. Entrepreneurs in sectors like renewable energy and agribusiness, which rely on international partnerships, may face short-term disruptions as the legal framework catches up.

The education sector itself faces capacity constraints. Algeria has approximately 12,000 English teachers, compared to 45,000 French teachers, according to the Ministry of National Education. To address this, the government has partnered with international organizations, including the British Council and the US Embassy in Algiers, to train teachers and develop English-language curricula. Private language centers, such as Wall Street English and the American Language Center, have seen a surge in demand, with enrollment in English courses increasing by 30% in the past year.

For businesses, the shift could redefine Algeria’s trade relationships. Historically, Algeria’s exports—primarily hydrocarbons—have been directed toward France and other Francophone countries. In 2024, France accounted for 12% of Algeria’s total exports, valued at $4.8 billion, according to the Algerian Customs Authority. However, Algeria has been diversifying its trade partners, with increased exports to Italy, Spain, and Turkey. English proficiency could accelerate this trend, opening doors to markets in the Middle East, Asia, and North America. The Ministry of Trade has already begun organizing trade delegations to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India, where English is the primary business language.

The reform also aligns with Algeria’s ambitions in the tech sector. The country’s startup ecosystem, though still nascent, has shown promise. In 2024, Algerian startups raised $45 million in funding, a 20% increase from the previous year, according to Disrupt Africa. Many of these startups operate in fintech, e-commerce, and software development—sectors where English is critical for accessing global investors and customers. Founders like Yacine Oualid, CEO of the fintech startup Temtem, have emphasized the need for English proficiency to compete in international markets.

Despite the momentum, skepticism remains. Some educators and business leaders argue that the focus on English should not come at the expense of French, which still holds value in regional markets like Morocco, Tunisia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The Algerian Employers’ Association (Forum des Chefs d’Entreprise, FCE) has called for a balanced approach, suggesting that bilingualism—French and English—would better serve Algeria’s economic interests.

The government, however, appears committed to the shift. In a recent speech, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune framed the language reform as part of Algeria’s “economic sovereignty” strategy, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on former colonial ties. The Ministry of Higher Education has also announced plans to introduce English as the primary language of instruction in technical and scientific fields at universities, starting with engineering and computer science programs.

For the Algerian diaspora, the reform could strengthen ties with the homeland. Many expatriates have expressed frustration with the dominance of French in official communications, which has limited their ability to engage with Algerian institutions. The shift to English could facilitate greater collaboration, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, and technology, where diaspora expertise is in high demand.

Key takeaway for entrepreneurs
Algeria’s shift from French to English in education signals a strategic push toward global markets, particularly in tech and trade. Entrepreneurs should prioritize English proficiency to access international funding, partnerships, and customers. The reform also presents opportunities for diaspora engagement, with potential for knowledge transfer and investment in Algeria’s growing digital economy. However, businesses must navigate short-term challenges, including legal and administrative adjustments, as the country transitions.