Over the past two years, Algeria has significantly increased its international bandwidth capacity, rising from 1.5 Tbps (terabits per second) in 2020 to 7.8 Tbps in 2022, and reaching 9.8 Tbps in early 2024.
Key Achievements:
- Fiber Optic Backbone Project: Algeria has completed a 2,600 km segment of fiber optics, part of the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone project (DTS).
- Project Goals: Aimed at fostering a digital economy, developing e-commerce, online financial services, and improving the business climate.
- NEPAD Initiative: Part of the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development, connecting Algeria with Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Mali, and Mauritania.
- Funding: A 79 million euro project co-funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (29 million euros).
Impact:
- Enhanced Connectivity: The project will boost high-speed broadband connectivity, supporting various sectors like agriculture, education, health, and commerce.
- Economic Growth: It aims to strengthen and diversify the national economy, creating new jobs and improving incomes, especially in rural areas.
According to Abdelouahab Bara, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the project aims to create a technological dynamic fostering a digital economy in the concerned countries.
Current Statistics:
- Mobile Connections: Algeria had 50.65 million active mobile cellular connections at the beginning of 2024, with a penetration rate of 110.2% of the population.
Once completed, the project will enhance regional connectivity, supporting a range of electronic services and contributing to the development of the digital economy in the region.
