The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, commended on Sunday the historic triumph of the national high school team, crowned champions of Africa at the conclusion of the 31st edition of the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiads (PAMO 2026). In a statement published on his official Facebook page, the Head of State extended his congratulations to the national education community, considering that this victory honors Algerian schooling and reflects the excellence of its youth.
“A thousand congratulations to the national education family for the crowning of the high school national team as champions of Africa at the Mathematics Olympiads. I wish you further success and brilliance, God willing,” the President of the Republic wrote.
This distinction crowns an exceptional performance delivered by the six Algerian representatives during the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiads, held from June 26 to July 4 in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. Facing 26 participating nations, Algeria soared to the top spot of the continental rankings, confirming the rising prominence of its academic institutions in international scientific competitions.
The national squad registered a remarkable run by capturing nine medals, representing the highest number of awards granted to any single delegation during this edition. Even more impressive, two Algerian contenders were the only participants in the entire competition to achieve a perfect score, a feat that illustrates the extremely high level of preparation among young Algerian talents.
The national teams prize list features 4 gold medals in the general standings. These go to Kayan Abou El Kacemi, a student at the Mathematics High School of Kouba (Algiers-Centre), and Abderrahmane Si Ahmed, from the Belaid Abdelkader Ben Ahmed high school in Batna, both of whom turned in flawless exam papers. Mohamed Iqbal Tabib, from the Malika Gaid high school in Setif, along with Alaa Yahia, from the Colonel Othmane high school in Bechar, round out this golden roster. Additionally, 2 silver medals were secured by Firouz Benyounes and Liane Harnane, both students at the Mathematics High School of Kouba.
In the female category, the Algerian performances were equally outstanding. Alaa Yahia and Firouz Benyounes each captured a gold medal, while Liane Harnane secured a silver medal. Added to these honors is the individual coronation of Alaa Yahia, crowned “Queen of African Mathematics,” an award recognizing the top female performance of the tournament. The Minister of National Education, Mohamed Seghir Saadaoui, considers that this triumph illustrates the outcomes of the national policy supporting excellence and accompanying high-potential students, conducted under the impulse of public authorities.
For the Minister of National Education, Mohamed Seghir Saadaoui, this success mirrors the results of the national strategy to promote excellence and guide highly talented students. According to him, this historic achievement confirms the emergence of an Algerian educational framework capable of competing with the finest on the continent and turning scientific brilliance into a genuine lever for broader influence.