Gibson Nyikadzino and Sekai Manyere
ZIMBABWE and Algeria are moving to deepen cooperation in education, scientific research, technology and youth development to accelerate Africa’s industrialisation.
Speaking in Harare yesterday at celebrations marking Algeria’s 72nd National Day, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister Sheillah Chikomo called for expanded academic exchanges and technical training under the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC).
“By pooling our technical capabilities together, we will equip our youth to lead Africa’s technological and industrial renaissance. We are committed to deepening institutional collaboration through academic exchanges, joint scientific research, ICT development, and vocational training under our Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) mechanisms,” said Deputy Minister Chikomo.
Bilateral relations date back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, when Algiers provided logistical support and military training to freedom fighters. Since independence, Algeria has also awarded science and research scholarships to more than 2 500 Zimbabwean students.
“It is in this context that we honour Algeria as one of the key states that supported our liberation struggle. Many of the cadres of our liberation movement were trained in Algeria. This bond of camaraderie continues to inspire and inform our bilateral relations,” she said.
Deputy Minister Chikomo thanked Algiers for opposing illegal sanctions against Harare and backing Zimbabwe’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term.
Algerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mohamed Seoudi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting Harare’s socio-economic transformation, particularly through educational partnerships.
“Following Zimbabwe’s independence, Algeria continued to support the country’s efforts to overcome the socio-economic legacy of colonialism and advance its national development. Algeria’s engagement with Zimbabwe today is underpinned by longstanding bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation, particularly in the field of education,” he said.
Ambassador Seoudi also congratulated Zimbabwe on assuming the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and securing its 2027-2028 UNSC seat.
“These milestones underscore Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional integration, African solidarity and sustainable development. Algeria reaffirms its commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Zimbabwe in the pursuit of peace, stability and our shared regional and continental aspirations,” he said.
Senior Government officials, legislators and members of the diplomatic corps attended the event.
