El Salvador launches civil servants Bitcoin certification, collaborates with Argentina

• El Salvador launches 160-hour Bitcoin certification for 80,000 civil servants.
• The program aims to enhance governance and build a Bitcoin-ready workforce.
• Argentina collaborates with El Salvador to learn from its Bitcoin adoption success.

The El Salvador government, through its National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC), has embarked on an ambitious initiative to upskill 80,000 civil servants with a comprehensive Bitcoin certification program.

🇸🇻EL SALVADOR CONTINUES TO TRAILBLAZE!

El Salvador will soon begin providing #Bitcoin instruction and certification to 80,000 public servants. https://t.co/gG9tMPvnPa

— The Bitcoin Office (@bitcoinofficesv) August 20, 2024

This is part of the nation’s ongoing commitment to integrating Bitcoin (BTC) into its economy and governance.

The certification program, named “Certification in Public Administration 1,” consists of a 160-hour virtual and asynchronous course divided into seven modules. Each module is designed to impart essential knowledge about Bitcoin, including its legal framework, strategic management, and the public policies surrounding its use as legal tender.

The Higher School of Innovation in Public Administration (ESIAP), established by President Nayib Bukele in August 2021, will conduct the training, aiming to elevate the standard of governance in El Salvador.

Stacy Herbert, director of ONBTC, expressed optimism about the program’s long-term impact. She believes that educating civil servants on Bitcoin will have a “compounding effect” on the nation’s economy. “These education projects are low-time preference commitments to the long-term success of El Salvador and its Bitcoin (and tech) policy,” Herbert stated.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a Bitcoin-ready workforce, further solidifying the country’s reputation as a global pioneer in cryptocurrency adoption.

Argentina seeks to learn from El Salvador’s Bitcoin experience

El Salvador’s success with Bitcoin has also garnered international attention, particularly from Argentina. The South American nation, grappling with economic challenges, has sought to learn from El Salvador’s experience.

Argentina’s National Securities Commission (CNV) kicked off discussions with El Salvador’s National Commission of Digital Assets (CNAD) in May 2024 to explore collaboration opportunities in cryptocurrency regulation and adoption.

During a meeting between the two nations, Roberto Silva, president of Argentina’s CNV, emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with El Salvador. He hinted at potential collaboration agreements to leverage El Salvador’s insights into Bitcoin adoption, reflecting a growing interest in the cryptocurrency’s role in stabilizing economies facing hyperinflation.

As El Salvador continues to champion Bitcoin, its efforts are not only transforming its own public sector but also inspiring other nations to explore the potential of digital currencies.