Algeria to teach English before French to primary pupils starting 2026

Algeria will introduce English as the first foreign language for eight-year-old students in the 2026-27 academic year, pushing French to the subsequent grade, according to Education Minister Mohamed Seghir Saadaoui. The move fulfills President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's language overhaul launched in 2022, which has already seen English replace French in some university faculties and public signage. While the ministry reports recruitment of about 15,000 English teachers, veteran educators like Ahmed Krim stress the need for proper training centres and curriculum oversight.

Analysts note the reform is intertwined with a diplomatic crisis sparked by French President Emmanuel Macron's backing of Morocco's Western Sahara claim, leading to mutual expulsions of diplomats. Critics argue the rapid transition may outpace the system's capacity, but supporters see it as a step toward reducing France's lingering cultural influence.