On the morning of May 16, 2026 (local time), a grand groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Kankan University Project in Guinea, undertaken by CBITEC. The project marks a significant step forward by the Government of Guinea in advancing the modernization of higher education infrastructure under the framework of the SIMANDOU 2040 Plan and the SIMANDOU Academy Initiative. It also demonstrates CBITEC’s long-term strategic commitment to deepening its presence in the Guinean market and actively contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including Mr. IBRAHIMA Sory II Camara, Representative of the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Guinea; Ms. Dre Diaka Sidibe, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and project owner representative; Colonel Aly Babara CAMARA, Governor of the Kankan Administrative Region; Ms. Patricia Adeline Lamah, Minister of Women, Family and Solidarity; the General Manager of the National Petroleum Company (SONAP); the UNICEF Representative in Guinea; representatives of university presidents nationwide; and religious leaders, all gathered to witness this historic occasion.

In his remarks, Mr. IBRAHIMA Sory II Camara, Representative of the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, emphasized that the Kankan University is not merely a campus complex, but a strategic lever for improving the quality of university education and talent development in Guinea. He noted that the new infrastructure will provide students and faculty with a modern academic environment that meets the demands of 21st-century education, research, and technological advancement.

Ms. Dre Diaka Sidibe, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated that the project is a key initiative undertaken as part of the mission entrusted to her by the Guinean government. Anchored in the broader objectives of the Simandou 2040 Plan for sustainable and responsible socio-economic development, the project aims to systematically modernize university infrastructure and comprehensively enhance the quality of higher education and talent cultivation in Guinea.

Colonel Aly Babara CAMARA, Governor of the Kankan Administrative Region, highlighted the profound significance of the University project for local students and educators. He noted that the modern classrooms and fully equipped teaching facilities will substantially improve learning and living conditions for both students and faculty, laying a solid foundation for higher education excellence and efficiency.

As the EPC contractor, Mr. Wu Yanan, Executive Manager of CBITEC Guinea Branch, delivered remarks at the ceremony. He noted that the day marked not only the successful completion of the main structure of Teaching Building No. 3 at Sofonia University, but also the official launch of the Kankan University Project. This reflects Guinea’s positive momentum toward balanced higher education resource allocation and demonstrates the government’s strategic vision in investing in youth development and regional revitalization in Upper Guinea.

After ten years of dedicated engagement in Guinea, CBITEC will continue to uphold its corporate values of craftsmanship, integrity, and commitment to contract performance, making further contributions to Guinea’s economic and social development as well as its educational advancement, while also carrying forward and strengthening the friendship between China and Guinea.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Marking the Launch Milestone of the Kankan University Project

Foundation pouring ceremony at the project site

Speech by H.E. IBRAHIMA Sory II Camara, Representative of the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice

Speech by Ms. Dre Diaka Sidibe, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Speech by Mr. Wu Yanan, Executive Manager of CBITEC Guinea Branch

CBITEC business and technical delegation attending the opening ceremony

Participants at the groundbreaking ceremony