El Salvador’s New Bitcoin Certification Programme for 80,000 Civil Servants
El Salvador reinforces its commitment to Bitcoin by rolling out an extensive training programme for its civil servants. The initiative, spearheaded by the National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC), aims to educate 80,000 government employees on Bitcoin’s strategic management and its implications for public policy.
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The newly introduced “Certification in Public Administration 1” programme encompasses 160 hours of virtual, asynchronous training. It is divided into seven modules that cover a range of topics, including Bitcoin legislation, management strategies, and its role as legal tender. According to ONBTCDirectorStacy Herbert, this programme is designed to elevate the country’s governance and public administration standards.
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“This training is a long-term investment in the success of El Salvador’s Bitcoin and tech policies,” Herbert commented. She also hinted at further educational initiatives on the horizon.
Expanding Bitcoin Education
The training programme is part of a broader effort to integrate Bitcoin more deeply into Salvadoran society. The government also introduces Bitcoin education into public schools through open-source courses like Mi Primer Bitcoin and Node Nation. These efforts aim to familiarise younger generations with digital currency from an early age.
The Bitcoin module is part of ESIAP (the Higher School of Innovation in Public Administration) established by President @nayibbukele in 2021 to strengthen the standard of excellence in governance and public administration in El Salvador.
El Salvador’s approach to Bitcoin has not gone unnoticed. Argentina, grappling with its own economic challenges, has sought to learn from El Salvador’s experience. Meetings between Argentina’s National Securities Commission (CNV) and El Salvador’s National Commission of Digital Assets (CNAD) reflect a growing interest in the latter’s crypto strategies.
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CNV President Silva desired to explore collaboration agreements, indicating that El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy could serve as a model for other countries experiencing hyperinflation.
Mixed Public Reception
Despite the ambitious plans and international attention, Bitcoin’s adoption among Salvadoran citizens remains tepid. A recent survey by José Simeón Cañas Central American University revealed a decline in Bitcoin usage for transactions, with only 12% of the population using the cryptocurrency at least once in 2023, down from 24.4% in 2022.
Moreover, although El Salvador holds approximately 5,750 Bitcoins—valued at over $375 million—many businesses continue to convert Bitcoin payments back to U.S. dollars immediately, reflecting a cautious approach to widespread Bitcoin integration.
Conclusion
El Salvador’s Bitcoin certification programme represents a significant step in its ongoing efforts to embed cryptocurrency into its public sector and society. While the initiative aims to bolster the country’s digital currency framework, the mixed reception among citizens and businesses suggests that widespread adoption remains complex. Nonetheless, El Salvador’s commitment to Bitcoin attracts international interest and sets a notable precedent for other nations exploring similar paths.
