• El Salvador Launches 160-Hour Bitcoin Certification for 80,000 Civil Servants
• The program aims to improve governance and build a Bitcoin-ready workforce.
• Argentina is teaming up with El Salvador to learn from the success of Bitcoin adoption.

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

🇸🇻EL SALVADOR STAYS TRAILBLAZE!

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

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

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

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

The Higher School for Innovation in Public Administration (ESIAP), founded in August 2021 by President Nayib Bukele, will provide the training with the aim of raising governance standards in El Salvador.

ONBTC Executive Director Stacy Herbert expressed optimism about the program’s long-term impact. She believes that educating government officials about Bitcoin will have a “compounding effect” on the country’s economy. “These educational projects are low-time commitments to the long-term success of El Salvador and its Bitcoin (and tech) policies,” Herbert said.

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

Argentina wants to learn from El Salvador’s Bitcoin experience

El Salvador’s success with Bitcoin has also attracted international attention, particularly from Argentina. The South American country, which has been struggling with economic challenges, has sought to learn from El Salvador’s experience.

Argentina’s National Securities Commission (CNV) initiated talks with El Salvador’s National Commission for Digital Assets (CNAD) in May 2024 to explore opportunities for cooperation on the regulation and adoption of cryptocurrencies.

During a meeting between the two countries, Roberto Silva, president of Argentina’s CNV, stressed the importance of strengthening ties with El Salvador. He hinted at possible partnerships to leverage El Salvador’s insights into Bitcoin adoption, reflecting growing interest in the cryptocurrency’s role in stabilizing economies struggling with hyperinflation.

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