Algeria Unveils National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025-2029 to Fortify Digital Sovereignty
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Takeaway
The National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025-2029 presents opportunities for international cybersecurity firms specializing in critical infrastructure protection, data governance, and training. Investors should monitor the Algerian government's tenders for cybersecurity solutions and services, particularly those related to the development of national data centers and the implementation of data protection measures. Companies like EKSec, which already support Algeria's regulatory landscape, are well-positioned to benefit from the increased focus on cybersecurity compliance.
Algeria's Information Systems Security Agency (ASSI), under the Ministry of National Defense, released the first edition of the National Strategy for Information Systems Security for the period 2025-2029 on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The strategy, approved by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defense, aims to protect state institutions and national bodies from cyber threats. This initiative underscores Algeria's commitment to bolstering its digital sovereignty and securing critical national infrastructure.
The cybersecurity strategy is a key component of Algeria's broader 2025-2030 digital transformation plan, which was initially unveiled in May 2025 by High Commissioner for Digitalization Meriem Benmouloud under the “Algeria Digital 2030” banner. This plan includes the full digitization of public services, the development of at least five national data centers, and the training of 500,000 ICT experts by 2030. These ambitious goals expand Algeria's digital attack surface, making a robust cybersecurity framework essential for sustainable digital growth. The strategy aligns with international best practices, as documented by organizations like NIST, ENISA, and ITU.
To enforce cybersecurity compliance, Algeria has implemented a comprehensive institutional and regulatory framework. Presidential Decree No. 20-05 mandates the appointment of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in all state information systems to oversee governance and incident response. Amendments to Law No. 18-07 align Algerian data protection with international standards like GDPR, imposing strict obligations on data handling and transfer. New regulations also require electronic communications providers to implement technical safeguards against unauthorized access.
The strengthened cybersecurity framework reflects a growing regional trend recognizing cybersecurity as a pillar of national security and economic development. By centralizing authority under the Presidency and the Ministry of National Defense, Algeria aims to proactively neutralize sophisticated cyber threats. The strategy emphasizes resilience, local control, and secure digital transformation, minimizing dependence on foreign systems and enhancing control over sensitive data through the creation of a national data governance framework and sovereign network infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2025-2029 will be crucial. Key areas to watch include the effectiveness of the newly established cybersecurity units within public institutions, the enforcement of data protection laws, and the development of sovereign infrastructure. The success of the strategy will depend on addressing the talent shortage in the cybersecurity sector and fostering collaboration between civil and military sectors. Presidential Decree No. 25-321, signed on December 30, 2025, formally approved the strategy, while Presidential Decree No. 26-07, issued on January 7, 2026, established the operational framework for cybersecurity within public institutions.