Algeria Bolsters Cybersecurity Defenses with National Strategy 2025-2029
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Takeaway
The Algerian government's increased focus on cybersecurity presents opportunities for cybersecurity firms, particularly those based in the MENA region. Companies offering services such as managed security operations, vulnerability assessment, cloud security, and incident response could see increased demand. Investors should monitor the evolving regulatory landscape and potential for local procurement preferences.
Algeria is strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure to combat increasing cyber threats with a new national strategy spanning 2025-2029. The strategy, approved by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aims to protect the nation's digital infrastructure and assert greater digital sovereignty. The Ministry of National Defense's Information Systems Security Agency (ASSI) unveiled the strategy in Algiers on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Brigadier General Abdeslam Belghoul, Director General of ASSI, emphasized the strategy's alignment with strengthening digital sovereignty and supporting the state's digital transformation.
The National Cybersecurity Strategy reflects internal and external pressures, including a surge in cyberattacks and the acceleration of digitalization. In 2024, Algeria faced over 70 million attempted cyberattacks, ranking it 17th globally among the most targeted nations, according to Kaspersky data. Security solutions blocked over 13 million phishing attempts and nearly 750,000 malicious email attachments during the same period. The government's National Digital Transformation Strategy (SNTN), unveiled in May 2025 by High Commissioner for Digitalization Meriem Benmouloud, set ambitious targets under the “Algeria Digital 2030” banner, including full digitization of public services.
The strategy focuses on strengthening prevention, detection, and response capabilities to cyber incidents. It aims to provide Algeria with qualified human resources and relevant structural, organizational, and functional aspects to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber incidents. The strategy will also establish a suitable digital environment in the field of cybersecurity and create a national framework for developing qualified human resources, in addition to enhancing international cooperation. A preliminary draft law is being prepared to mandate cybersecurity measures for institutions to protect sensitive information.
The framework introduces specialized institutions, including the Information Systems Security Agency (ASSI), responsible for implementing national cybersecurity policies, and the National Council for Information Systems Security, which develops national cybersecurity strategies. Presidential Decree No. 26-07 of January 7, 2026, established the operational framework for cybersecurity within public institutions, mandating the creation of dedicated cybersecurity units across the government. Each public entity will establish a dedicated cybersecurity unit reporting directly to the head of the institution.
Looking ahead, Algeria will focus on implementing the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025-2029 and strengthening its cybersecurity governance across the public sector. Key areas of focus include protecting critical state infrastructure, building national capabilities, and enhancing cooperation at national and international levels. The talent shortage remains a primary implementation risk. The effectiveness of the new cybersecurity framework will depend on continuous monitoring, regular audits, and immediate reporting of incidents to the relevant authorities.