Guinea academic seeks historian study grants
Dr Safiatou Diallo wants scholarships for Guinean historians to support the Simandou project.
Dr Safiatou Diallo, a Guinean academic, called for scholarships for historians on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the National Library's open days closing. She argued that knowledge of history and cultural identity must not be sidelined by the industrial and technological ambitions of large development projects like Simandou. Diallo, president of the Centre for Innovation and Research for Development (CIRD) and the Association of Historians of Guinea, spoke in Conakry.
Diallo highlighted a critical shortage of local experts in heritage management and conservation, stating Guinea often needs external human resources for courses. She advocated for specialized study grants for young Guinean historians and researchers to ensure the country develops its own specialists. This call came during a conference on the cultural heritage's place in the Simandou mega-project.
The academic stressed the importance of understanding the National Library's resources and creating exchange spaces for cultural stakeholders. She believes combining economic development with socio-cultural development requires more Guinean historians to guide the nation's future.
Why it mattersGuinean students and researchers in history and cultural heritage lack opportunities for specialized training due to a shortage of local experts.