Ethiopia Signs Agreement with France to Strengthen Educational Cooperation.

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia and France have signed an intergovernmental agreement aimed at enhancing their long-standing educational partnership, specifically targeting the Lycée Guebre-Mariam High School in Addis Ababa. The signing ceremony occurred in the school’s amphitheater, attended by Ethiopia’s Minister of Education, Professor Berhanu Nega, and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Professor Berhanu highlighted the importance of the agreement, which had been under negotiation for over a year. He noted that the school, established in 1947, has been a vital institution fostering strong ties between Ethiopia and France. Professor Berhanu emphasized that the agreement modernizes the partnership, ensuring its relevance in the 21st century. A key element of the accord includes a commitment to allocate 10 percent of student admissions to children of low-income families with full scholarships. He stressed that education should not be a privilege lim
ited to those with financial means, reflecting a shared vision of equitable access to high-quality education and a commitment to creating a more inclusive society.

French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised the school’s role in strengthening bilateral relations and its contribution to the educational landscape in Ethiopia. He acknowledged the school’s reputation for academic excellence and inclusiveness, which opens doors to prestigious higher education institutions worldwide. The new agreement reaffirms the unique status of Lycée Guebre-Mariam High School as both an Ethiopian and a French institution. Minister Barrot also commended the dedication of the school’s staff and alumni for their role in fostering lasting bonds between the two nations.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in Ethio-French educational cooperation, introducing a more inclusive governance structure and expanding access for Ethiopian students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This initiative is expected to further strengthe
n the 77-year legacy of Lycée Guebre-Mariam School and enhance the already robust Ethio-French partnership.