Tlemcen, Algeria - The Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences including Climate Change (PAUWES) celebrated the graduation of its 9th cohort of Master's degree students in a ceremony that highlighted both academic excellence and the rich cultural diversity of the African continent.

The ceremony marked the achievement of 82 graduates representing 36 African nations, with women comprising 40% of the graduating class, demonstrating PAUWES's commitment to gender equity in STEM fields. Graduates completed rigorous programs in Water Engineering, Water Policy, Energy Engineering, Energy Policy, and Climate Change studies.

The truly Pan-African character of the graduating class was evident in the remarkable geographic diversity, with students among others representing: Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

A highlight of the ceremony was the entrepreneurship competition, organized through the PAUWES Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club, part of the Pan African University's broader initiative to establish entrepreneurship hubs across all its institutes. Five pre-selected students delivered compelling pitches during the graduation ceremony, with three emerging as winners of entrepreneurship awards.

The graduation's timing during Africa Day week proved especially meaningful. Professor Jean Koulidiati, PAU Rector, noted: "It is especially significant that this graduation ceremony takes place during the week when many African countries celebrate Africa Day... This timing could not be more appropriate for your graduation as you step into your roles as pan-African leaders."

Addressing the graduating class directly, Professor Koulidiati delivered a powerful call to action: "Africa is counting on you. Our continent's development will not be achieved by external forces but by her own sons and daughters who understand her unique challenges and opportunities."

The Rector also expressed gratitude to Germany for its support since PAUWES's inception and praised the University of Tlemcen for its hospitality, noting the city's spectacular hills and proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

As Professor Koulidiati concluded in his address: "Today, we return you to your families and to society, not as you came, but as transformed individuals ready to make Africa shine. Go forth with courage and determination. Apply your knowledge in service to your communities. Remember that Africa's future rests in your capable hands."

The 9th graduation reinforces PAUWES's position as a leading center of excellence for addressing Africa's water, energy, and climate challenges, critical areas identified for achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063.