Algeria Launches National Project to Accelerate Digital Transformation by 2030
Image: Rass El Mal
Takeaway
The Algerian government's commitment to digital transformation presents opportunities for international technology companies specializing in areas such as cybersecurity, e-governance solutions, and ICT training. Investors should monitor the development of the new digitalization law and the allocation of funds through the Algerian Startup Fund, as these will be key indicators of the government's commitment and the potential for returns.
Algeria has launched a national project to accelerate its digital transformation, backing the National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025-2030. The High Commission for Digitalization (HCD), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with support from the Japanese government, signed an agreement to support the strategy's implementation. The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Digitalization, Meriem Benmouloud, and representatives from international partners. This initiative aims to expedite the pace of digitalization and strengthen its institutional and economic foundations within Algeria.
Algeria's digital transformation strategy has been in development for several years. In 2024, the government prepared a digital strategy extending through 2029, which built upon improvements to the forthcoming digitalization law and enhanced cybersecurity measures. This earlier strategy aimed to create a conducive environment for innovation and economic growth. The Presidency approved the 2025-2030 National Digital Transformation Strategy, establishing it as the official framework and regulatory instrument for the country's digitization process. In October 2025, the HCD and UNDP signed a declaration of intent to accelerate the national digital transformation strategy's implementation.
The National Digital Transformation Strategy is structured around five strategic pillars: basic ICT infrastructure, human capital, digital governance, the digital economy, and digital society. It encompasses a total of 27 priority objectives to be achieved between 2025 and 2030. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity and intersectoral collaboration to enhance national digital sovereignty and economic growth. Over 500 projects have been identified for delivery during the 2025-2026 period, with approximately three-quarters of these projects targeting improved public services, supported by monitoring and performance indicators.
The strategy aims to train 500,000 ICT specialists and reduce the emigration of skilled workers by 40%. Economically, the strategy envisions digitalization as a key engine of growth, targeting a 20% contribution from the digital sector to Algeria's GDP by 2030. As of early 2026, the digital sector accounts for 2.5% of GDP. The government is prioritizing the development of technology startups as part of its transition to a knowledge-based economy, with initiatives in place to support the viability of advanced technology startups, including strategic intellectual property capture and commercialization of university research.
Looking ahead, Algeria's success hinges on effective governance, citizen adoption of digital services, and stability in regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity. A draft law on digitization is currently under development to create a suitable legal and regulatory framework. The government intends to channel a greater portion of public expenditure into startups and innovation, creating opportunities for emerging businesses. The Algerian Startup Fund (ASF), a public venture capital company, will continue to invest in early-stage startups.