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CHISHIMBA CHISHIMBA, MARTIN NKOLOMBA ALGERIA, the largest country in Africa, stands as a beacon of freedom, unity and growth, with its modern identity, deeply anchored in the historic November 1, 1954 revolution against French colonial rule. After 132 years of colonisation, Algeria’s fight for independence lasted seven years and claimed 1.5 million lives, culminating in the restoration of freedom on July 5, 1962. These two dates – November 1 and July 5 – remain sacred in the hearts of Algerians, and symbolise sacrifice and the unyielding spirit that continue to define the nation. Following independence, Algeria made education the cornerstone of its national development policy and recognised it as the foundation for social and economic progress. A strong and inclusive education system was seen as vital to building a self-reliant nation, capable of contributing meaningfully to Africa’s growth. The country’s geographic position in the Maghreb, bordered by Tunisia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco, has further enriched its cultural diversity and historical depth. It has also given rise to a society rooted in exchange and openness. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has consistently underscored the importance of African solidarity and self-reliance, more often calling for the continent to harness its internal capacities for growth. “The strength of Africa lies in solidarity, in building value chains that link our economies together,” he stated, reaffirming Algeria’s conviction that Africa’s development must be driven by Africans themselves. His government continues to champion diversification of the economy while advancing continental partnerships that foster inclusive growth and stability. Africa remains a central pillar in Algeria’s foreign policy, as the country has long been at the forefront of supporting liberation movements and is still advocating for peace, unity and development across the continent. It has equally played a key role in combating terrorism, extremism and organised crime, while hosting both the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism and the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL). These institutions underscore Algeria’s commitment to regional security and collective advancement. Education and human development remain equally central to Algeria’s contribution to Africa, as the country continues to offer scholarships to thousands of African students annually. “This year we celebrate the 71st anniversary,” said Algerian Ambassador to Zambia Tewfik Mahi, in reference to the national day that marks the revolution and the country’s steadfast commitment to freedom and progress. Since regaining sovereignty in 1962, Algeria has taken its place on the international stage as a member of the United Nations, the African Union and the League of Arab States. It also joined the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1969. Its constitution defines Islam, Arabism and Amazigh identity as the bedrock of national character and affirms Algeria’s inseparable belonging to the Maghreb, the Mediterranean and Africa. With Arabic and Amazigh as official languages, Algeria covers 2,381,741 square kilometres and is home to over 46 million people. President Tebboune continues to urge citizens to work collectively towards economic growth, stressing that development cannot occur in isolation. This vision was demonstrated when Algeria hosted the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers from September 4 to 10, 2025 under the auspices of Afreximbank, the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat. The IATF has become a flagship event promoting intraAfrican trade and integration and this reflects Algeria’s commitment to a united and economically empowered continent. At home, Algeria’s social policies continue to reflect the values born out of its revolution, as it upholds free education as a right and continues to invest heavily in improving learning environments. “In line with the commitments of the president of the republic, the development of the educational system has been made a top priority. This includes the improvement of pedagogical programmes, teaching tools and the digitisation of the education sector. “Moreover, Algeria ensures the provision of school meals, transport, heating, healthcare and physical education for a safe and healthy future for its students. Algeria also remains committed to free education,” an excerpt from a recent write-up stated. Currently, 5,998 African students are enrolled in Algerian universities, supported by 2,000 annual scholarships in higher education and 500 in vocational training. Since the recovery of its sovereignty, Algeria trained more than 65,000 African students while the government has also taken strides in digital transformation. On October 20, 2025, Algeria launched the Algerian University Digital Library under the University Publications Office, featuring more than 110,000 electronic documents with plans to expand to 500,000 by 2027. Additionally, it has also launched a new initiative entitled “Study in Algeria” that allows foreign students to pursue their studies in Algerian universities and higher education establishments at the different academic levels: Bachelor, master’s and PhD, upon payment of tuition fees. In the health sector, the state guarantees free access to medical care for all citizens and ensures no regional or social discrimination. The National Social Security Fund continues to provide coverage across both public and private institutions and this reflects a health system built on inclusion and modernised infrastructure. On the economic front, Algeria’s economy remains one of Africa’s strongest alongside Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt, The nation recorded GDP growth of US$267 billion in 2024, projected to reach nearly US$300 billion by 2027. Inflation dropped from 9.3 percent in 2023 to 4 percent in 2024, while the nonhydrocarbon sector grew by 4.8 percent. Agriculture also performed strongly, expanding by 5.1 percent in 2024, while unemployment declined from 11.4 percent in 2019 to 9.7 percent by the end of 2024. Algeria’s history is one of remarkable continuity as the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Byzantines and Romans once thrived on its soil, leaving behind enduring monuments that today stand as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in cities such as Tipaza, Cherchell, Djemila and Timgad. These ancient remains make Algeria one of the world’s largest open-air museums, with over 15,000 cultural and historical sites. The Numidian Amazigh civilisation, whose capital was Constantine, the city of suspended bridges, also left behind timeless landmarks such as the Tomb of the Kings of Numidia Imedghassen in Batna and Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania. As Algeria commemorates its national day, it does so with pride and reflection. The revolution of 1954 was not merely a national uprising, but it was a defining moment in the history of Africa’s liberation, symbolising the triumph of determination over domination. The bravery of 1.5 million martyrs remains the foundation upon which the modern Algerian nation stands. Remembering their sacrifice is essential, for it preserves the legacy of those who fought for freedom and ensures that future generations remain guided by the values of justice and unity. The anniversary of the Algerian revolution serves as a reminder that independence was not given, but was earned through immense sacrifice and unbreakable resolve. It compels the nation to continue chronicling its history, to keep alive the stories of courage that inspired liberation movements across the continent. Algeria’s path from colonial domination to sovereignty is not only its own story but also part of Africa’s bigger narrative of emancipation. As the world joins Algeria in marking this important day, the message resounds across generations: history must never fade into silence. The revolution of 1954 lit a flame that continues to shine brightly, illuminating the values of freedom, dignity and unity. That enduring light remains Algeria’s greatest gift to Africa and to the world.
