Algeria Showcases Digital Ambitions at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona
Takeaway
Algeria's commitment to digital transformation presents significant opportunities for international investors and technology companies. The projected growth of the AI market, coupled with government support for startups and the expansion of 5G infrastructure, creates a favorable environment for investment in Algeria's technology sector. Companies should monitor the development of the new digitization law and cybersecurity regulations to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
Algeria's Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, participated in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2-5, 2026. The annual event is considered the world's largest exhibition for the telecommunications and digital technology industries, drawing over 100,000 participants from more than 180 countries. The Algerian delegation included representatives from various national institutions active in the communications sector.
Algeria's participation aligns with the country's strategy to strengthen its presence in the international technological and digital space. The government aims to fully digitize Algeria by 2030, fostering collaboration between the government, tech experts, and the private sector. This strategy builds upon five foundational pillars: developing robust digital infrastructure, cultivating digital skills and training, establishing effective digital governance, promoting a thriving digital economy, and ensuring inclusive integration of all citizens into the digital realm.
Central to Algeria's digital transformation is the development of human capital. The government aims to train 500,000 information and communication technology (ICT) specialists while simultaneously working to decrease the emigration of these 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 gross domestic product. This will be achieved by digitizing public services and nurturing a dynamic environment for tech entrepreneurship. Algeria's AI market is projected to grow from $498.9 million in 2025 to $1.69 billion by 2030, a 27.67% compound annual growth rate.
The Algerian government is prioritizing the development of technology startups as part of its transition to a knowledge-based economy. The enacted public procurement law in Algeria has made a more adaptable process for public entities to engage with startups through direct negotiation. The Algerian Startup Fund (ASF), a public venture capital company, invests in early-stage startups. Djezzy, an Algerian mobile operator, recently expanded its 5G network to 18 provinces, offering speeds up to ten times faster than 4G.
Industry leaders at MWC 2026 are urging faster deployment of standalone 5G networks to unlock industrial and enterprise use cases. The GSMA expects 57% of mobile connections worldwide to run on 5G by 2030. Algeria's digital transformation includes over 500 projects planned for 2025–2026, aimed at modernizing its infrastructure, public services, and economy. A draft law on digitization is currently under development, and cybersecurity defenses are being strengthened to protect data and information systems.