Algérie Télécom creates $11 million AI startup fund
National AI strategy aims for 20,000 startups and AI-led growth
#Algeria #investment – Algeria’s state-owned telecom company Algérie Télécom has announced a 1.5 billion dinar ($11 million) investment fund to support startups in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and robotics. The initiative, unveiled by Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sid Ali Zerrouki at the CTO Forum Algeria, is a core part of the country’s national AI and digital transformation strategies. With a goal of establishing 20,000 startups, the government is also investing in AI-focused universities, incubators, and a nationwide digital infrastructure expansion to position Algeria as a leader in technological innovation.
SO WHAT? – Algeria’s AI and digital economy strategy is gaining momentum, aiming to make AI a key driver of GDP growth. The government formed a National Scientific Council for Artificial Intelligence (AI Council) in 2023, which held a meeting a couple of months ago to review an updated National AI Strategy. The strategy is being driven by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-entreprises. Startups have received renewed focus recently with a government sponsored African Startup Conference taking place in December 2024.
Some key points from the announcement made at CTO Forum Algeria:
Algérie Télécom has allocated 1.5 billion dinars ($11m) to support AI, cybersecurity, and robotics startups. The announcement was made by The initiative, unveiled by Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sid Ali Zerrouki at the CTO Forum Algeria, which is taking place this week.
Algeria aims to create 20,000 startups in the coming years to accelerate digital transformation, while the government plans for AI to contribute 7% of national GDP by 2027.
The government has a variety of plans to create new specialised institutions in AI, robotics, and mathematics, as will new startup incubators to provide resources and mentorship for emerging tech entrepreneurs.
Algeria has been investing in digital infrastructure and now has a total of 265,000 km of fibre optic cable and 1,400 new 4G sites in rural areas, with plans for 7,000 more 4G stations.
The National Research and Innovation Strategy on Artificial Intelligence 2020-2030 was first launched in 2019. Meanwhile, the the National Scientific Council for Artificial Intelligence, was formed in 2023, which now advises the government and state institutions on AI policy and strategy.
ZOOM OUT - Algeria’s AI and digital strategy reflects a broader trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence, digital skills, and startup ecosystems. Countries like Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa have launched similar initiatives to compete in the global AI race. Algeria also aims to leverage its diaspora to contribute talent, resources and funding to help the country realise its AI vision.
Read more about Algeria’s AI efforts:
AI stakeholders convene to advance Algeria's strategy (Middle East AI News)
Algerian AI researchers crowdsource local language data (Middle East AI News)