Algeria Boosts Digitalization Efforts with Cybersecurity Focus
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Takeaway
International investors and technology firms should monitor Algeria's cybersecurity landscape and data protection regulations. Compliance with evolving standards, such as amendments aligning with GDPR, will be crucial for companies operating in Algeria. Opportunities exist for firms providing cybersecurity solutions, training, and infrastructure development as Algeria seeks to bolster its digital defenses.
Algeria is accelerating its digital transformation across various sectors, accompanied by strengthened cybersecurity measures to protect its digital infrastructure. These efforts span government services, investment promotion, and higher education, reflecting a nationwide push for modernization and efficiency. The government aims to fully digitize Algeria by 2030, fostering collaboration between government, tech experts, and the private sector.
Algeria's commitment to digitalization is evident in several recent initiatives. On February 24, 2026, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, under Minister Kamal Badari, launched four new national digital platforms to modernize the higher education and research ecosystem. These platforms include the University Network for Business Incubators and Entrepreneurship Development Centers, the Digital Registry of University Spin-off Companies, a Digital Platform for Psychological Counseling, and a Digital Meal Reservation Platform. In parallel, the Caisse Nationale des Assurances Sociales des Travailleurs Salariés (CNAS) launched a new digital service on March 3, 2026, enabling insured individuals to verify and download salary certificates declared by their employers. The Agency for the Promotion of Investment organized an awareness day dedicated to updating and monitoring the activity's document management schedule, in coordination with the General Directorate of National Archives.
To safeguard its digital transformation, Algeria is prioritizing cybersecurity. President Tebboune approved the National Cybersecurity Strategy for 2025-2029 via Presidential Decree No. 25-321 on December 30, 2025. This strategy aims to build a robust shield for its digital infrastructure and assert greater digital sovereignty. On January 7, 2026, Presidential Decree No. 26-07 established the operational framework for cybersecurity within public institutions, mandating the creation of dedicated cybersecurity units across the government. This decree was published in the Official Gazette on January 21, 2026. The Information Systems Security Agency (ASSI) is collaborating with the High Commission for Digitization on key initiatives such as the National Data Center, National Cloud, and Sovereign Network Infrastructure.
These cybersecurity measures are crucial given the increasing cyber threats targeting Algeria. In 2024, the country faced over 70 million attempted cyberattacks, ranking it 17th globally, according to Kaspersky data. Over 13 million phishing attempts were blocked, and nearly 750,000 malicious email attachments were detected and stopped. The government is also prioritizing the creation of a national data governance framework and sovereign network infrastructure to minimize dependence on foreign systems. Furthermore, the role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has been institutionalized across state institutions to improve internal information security governance.
Looking ahead, Algeria aims to train 500,000 ICT specialists and reduce tech talent emigration by 40%. A key element to watch is the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025-2029, particularly in addressing the talent shortage in the cybersecurity sector. The effectiveness of these measures will be critical in ensuring a secure and sustainable digital transformation for Algeria.