Sahrawi Minister of Education Undertakes Courtesy and Working Visit to African Union Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – October 16, 2025
The African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa hosted a significant meeting on Thursday between Professor Gaspar Banyankimbona, the AU Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, and Mr. Abdelkader Taleb Omar, Sahrawi Minister of Education and Vocational Training and member of the Sahrawi National Secretariat. The visit was both a courtesy call and a working session focused on advancing educational collaboration across the continent.
During the meeting, Minister Taleb Omar provided an in-depth briefing on the priorities and challenges faced by the Sahrawi Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. He shared insights into the ministry’s ongoing efforts to develop education and training systems tailored to the needs of the Sahrawi people. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the African Union in supporting member states through the creation of harmonized educational frameworks and curricula, as well as facilitating experience sharing and capacity building among education professionals.
Minister Taleb Omar extended congratulations to Commissioner Banyankimbona on the recent adoption and official launch of the Continental Strategy for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This landmark strategy was inaugurated earlier this week by the Chairperson of the AU Commission during the opening ceremony of Africa Skills Week 2025, which is taking place in Addis Ababa from October 13 to 17. The Minister highlighted this initiative as a vital step toward enhancing vocational skills development and workforce readiness across Africa.
In response, Commissioner Banyankimbona expressed appreciation for the Sahrawi Minister’s visit and participation in Africa Skills Week. He lauded the Sahrawi Ministry of Education for its sustained engagement and leadership within the AU educational programs, noting that their proactive involvement has bolstered the effectiveness and reach of the Specialized Technical Committee on Education over the past two years.
The discussions further explored upcoming educational projects and initiatives led by the AU Commission for Education, Science and Technology. Minister Taleb Omar reaffirmed the commitment of his ministry to continue contributing actively and constructively to these continental efforts, leveraging their expertise to support collaborative progress.
Accompanying Minister Taleb Omar were several senior officials, including Mr. Malainin Lakhal, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Sahrawi Republic to the African Union; Mr. Hamdi Did, Advisor to the Ministry of Education overseeing AU affairs; and Mr. Ergeibi Abdallah, Cultural and Media Attaché at the Sahrawi Mission in Addis Ababa. From the African Union side, Professor Saïdou Madougou, Director of the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, was also present alongside Commissioner Banyankimbona.
This interaction underscores the Sahrawi leadership’s commitment to regional integration and educational development, aligned with the broader African Union vision of inclusive growth fostered through education, science, and technology.
For more news on Sahrawi affairs and African Union educational initiatives, visit Sahara Press Service (SPS).
