El Salvador Expands Bitcoin Strategy, Plans to Upskill Over 80,000 Civil Servants
El Salvador’s Higher School of Innovation in Public Administration to Lead Training for Thousands of Civil Servants
El Salvador is embarking on an ambitious initiative to enhance the Bitcoin proficiency of its civil servants as part of its broader strategy to integrate cryptocurrency into its national financial system. The government has announced plans to upskill over 80,000 civil servants in Bitcoin technology, reflecting a strong commitment to embedding cryptocurrency expertise within the public sector. This training program will culminate in the issuance of certifications for those who complete the course, signifying their proficiency in Bitcoin-related technologies.
The move comes as a continuation of El Salvador’s groundbreaking decision in September 2021 to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender, making it the first nation globally to do so. President Nayib Bukele has been at the forefront of this initiative, implementing various measures to incorporate Bitcoin into the country’s financial and economic systems. This new training initiative underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring that its workforce is well-equipped to handle and promote Bitcoin usage in both governance and public administration.
Stacy Herbert, Director of El Salvador’s Bitcoin National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC), announced the initiative on X (formerly Twitter). Herbert highlighted the significance of the training program, stating that it aims to provide the highest standard of instruction on Bitcoin. She emphasized that this initiative is expected to create a ripple effect of excellence, fostering a culture of innovation and expertise in Bitcoin within the country. This strategic move is anticipated to position El Salvador as a leader in the emerging capital markets driven by cryptocurrency.
The training program will be managed by the Higher School of Innovation in Public Administration (ESIAP), an institution established by President Bukele in 2021. ESIAP is tasked with overseeing the curriculum and ensuring that the certification program aligns with the government’s vision of integrating Bitcoin into public administration practices. The curriculum is designed to provide civil servants with a comprehensive understanding of Bitcoin, covering its technical aspects, regulatory implications, and practical applications within the public sector.
This initiative reflects El Salvador’s broader strategy to leverage Bitcoin not only as a financial asset but also as a tool for modernizing and improving public administration. By equipping thousands of officials with Bitcoin expertise, the government aims to foster a more informed and capable workforce that can effectively manage and implement Bitcoin-related policies and programs.
As El Salvador continues to push the boundaries of cryptocurrency adoption, this upskilling program represents a significant step towards embedding Bitcoin into the fabric of national governance. The successful implementation of this training initiative could serve as a model for other nations considering similar approaches to cryptocurrency integration in public administration
