• Conakry discusses cooperation with the UK on higher education and research

• Focus on upgrading English language training at Sonfonia University

• Goal is to improve access to global knowledge and graduate employability

Guinea has launched a new phase of cooperation with the United Kingdom in higher education, scientific research, and innovation. The initiative follows a meeting between Guinea’s Minister of Higher Education, Alpha Bacar Barry, and the newly appointed British ambassador to Guinea, Daniel Shepherd, according to information published on January 20 on the ministry’s official page.

Discussions focused on modernizing the English Language Study Center at the Université Général Lansana Conté de Sonfonia. The center is seen as a key tool for improving access to international scientific resources and strengthening the employability of graduates. Both sides stressed that English proficiency is essential for Guinean students to integrate into a global academic and professional environment.

The minister highlighted “the need to equip Guinea with a structured, modern, and fully operational center of excellence for English language teaching, capable of sustainably supporting students throughout their academic paths.” He also proposed setting up structured partnerships with British institutions to train instructors at the center and at the preparatory classes for elite schools in Dalaba, enabling Guinean students to access competitive English-language programs and entrance exams.

The initiative comes amid persistent challenges facing Guinea’s higher education system, where access to international scientific resources remains limited and graduate employability is a major concern. Sector analyses show that many Guinean universities still lack modern infrastructure, digital tools, and reliable internet access, limiting students’ access to global scientific publications and platforms. In some institutions, fewer than 15% of students reportedly have adequate digital resources.

At the continental level, higher education enrollment in Africa remains low, at around 9%, well below the global average. In several countries across the region, up to 50% of young graduates struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou