Algeria Enacts Law to Bolster Electronic Transactions and Digital Economy
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Takeaway
The enactment of Law No. 26-02 signals a significant opportunity for international investors and technology companies looking to enter or expand their presence in Algeria's digital market. Investors should monitor the implementation of the 'Digital Algeria 2030' strategy and identify opportunities in areas such as e-commerce platforms, cybersecurity solutions, and digital infrastructure development. The focus on digitalizing public services also presents potential partnerships for companies specializing in e-governance solutions.
Algeria is advancing its digital transformation with the enactment of Law No. 26-02 on February 17, 2026, which focuses on trust services for electronic transactions and electronic identification. Published in the Official Journal N°14, the law establishes the general rules for trusted services related to electronic transactions. This move aims to provide a robust legal and regulatory framework to support the increasing digitization of various sectors in Algeria.
The new law is part of Algeria's broader strategy to modernize its economy and public services through digital technologies. The Algerian government has been actively working to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons and improve the business climate. In November 2025, the government approved a draft law on digital trust, e-signatures, and ID services, updating the 2015 legislation on electronic signatures and certification. This initiative aligns with the “Digital Algeria 2030” strategy, which includes launching over 500 digital projects between 2025 and 2026, with 75% focused on modernizing public services.
The law grants legal validity to electronic documents, including electronic signatures, seals, and timestamps, equivalent to their physical counterparts. This will streamline contract execution and accelerate commercial transactions. Algeria's Law No. 18-05 of May 10, 2018, already regulates e-commerce, defining legal frameworks for online transactions, electronic contracts, and consumer rights. The government is also working on an integrated digital system for tax administration, expected to launch by the end of 2026, to ensure greater transparency and prevent manipulation of files.
The new legislation is expected to benefit businesses and citizens by simplifying administrative procedures and stimulating investment in the digital economy. The move could strengthen the legal and technical underpinnings of e-commerce and digital public services, given Algeria's internet penetration rate of nearly 77% with approximately 36.2 million internet users at the beginning of 2025. Sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and digital health are expected to see increased innovation.
Looking ahead, Algeria is set to host Global Africa Tech 2026 in Algiers, a summit aimed at accelerating digital transformation and strengthening connectivity across Africa. The event, organized by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications in partnership with Algeria Telecom, is expected to attract over 5,000 participants from 45 countries. The full adoption of electronic transactions in budget management is expected in early 2026, which will facilitate salary payments, data collection, and the monitoring of financial operations.