Algeria launches national AI training programme
12-week programme combines intensive training with real startup projects
#Algeria #education — Algeria has officially launched a National Training Programme in Artificial Intelligence at the National Specialized Institute for Vocational Training in Rahmania, Sidi Abdallah, in a joint initiative led by the Ministry of Vocational Training and Education and the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-Enterprises. The 12-week programme consists of eight weeks of intensive training followed by four weeks of applied project work with startups. The initiative forms part of a broader digital transformation strategy targeting the training of 500,000 ICT specialists and support the ICT sector in contributing approximately 7 percent of GDP by 2027.
SO WHAT? — Algeria has a large young population, a growing startup ecosystem and an explicit target to reduce the outflow of skilled workers. The new national AI training programme is one of a number of initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between ambition and workforce capability. The new training is developed around real startup challenges, co-designed with diaspora expertise and structured around applied project delivery rather than classroom theory.
KEY POINTS:
Algeria has launched a National Training Programme in Artificial Intelligence, jointly overseen by the Minister of Vocational Training and Education Nacima Arhab and the Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-Enterprises Noureddine Ouadah, at the El Rahmania National Specialized Vocational Training Institute in Sidi Abdallah, Algiers.
The programme runs for 12 weeks, comprising eight weeks of intensive training followed by four weeks dedicated to applied project work with real startups, using the latest AI tools and models. A train-the-trainers phase launched on 15 January 2026 to ensure teaching quality ahead of the main programme rollout.
The curriculum was co-designed with diaspora expertise, the initiative represents a deliberate effort to repatriate knowledge.
The programme is built around real startup challenges, with training themes drawn directly from problems faced by Algerian and global startups. The approach is designed to accelerate participants’ transition into the workforce and support the creation of new technology ventures through the institute’s newly launched business incubator.
The initiative forms part of a broader digital transformation strategy targeting the training of 500,000 ICT specialists, aimed at curbing the outflow of skilled workers and strengthening Algeria’s technological sovereignty by retaining and developing domestic digital talent.
Earlier this month Algeria opened the first start-up cluster dedicated to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity at the Abdelhafid Ihaddaden Scientific and Technology Hub in Sidi Abdallah.
Algeria is targeting a contribution from the ICT sector of approximately 7% of GDP by 2027, supported by dedicated funding, the development of centres of excellence and expanded access to digital technologies. Therefore, rapid workforce development a strategic and short-term priority.
ZOOM OUT — The national AI training programme sits within a longer-term strategy that Algeria has been building on since 2019. The National Research and Innovation Strategy on Artificial Intelligence 2020-2030 is led jointly by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-Enterprises. Algeria's strongest asset in this strategy is its capacity to produce computer science talent: 57,702 students are currently studying computer science across the country, with 74 master programmes in AI available across 52 universities. Notable Algerian researchers rank among the top 2 percent of scientists worldwide, and Algeria's scientific publication volume places it in the top five in Africa and the top 50 globally. The critical challenge for Algeria remains whether this talent can be retained domestically.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
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