Algérie Télécom has received international recognition at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 after winning an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) award for its “AI for Digital Inclusion” (AIDI) project, highlighting Algeria’s growing use of artificial intelligence to expand digital access and strengthen ICT infrastructure.
The award was presented during the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva in the presence of Algeria’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki. The project received an ITU Certificate of Recognition, signed by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, after being selected as the winner in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure category.
The recognition acknowledges the project’s contribution to advancing digital transformation while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the application of AI technologies.
AI Expands Digital Inclusion Strategies
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being deployed to improve digital inclusion by making digital services more accessible, efficient and responsive to citizens’ needs.
AI-enabled solutions can enhance access to digital public services, improve customer support, optimize network planning and help extend connectivity to underserved communities through intelligent resource allocation.
As governments seek to bridge digital divides, AI is becoming an important tool for improving service delivery while increasing the effectiveness of national digital transformation programmes.
Digital inclusion has emerged as a strategic priority for countries pursuing inclusive economic development.
ICT Infrastructure Remains the Foundation of Digital Economies
Recognition in the ICT Infrastructure category highlights the continued importance of robust telecommunications networks in enabling AI, cloud computing, digital government and online public services.
Modern infrastructure supported by intelligent technologies enables operators to improve network performance, optimize operations and deliver more reliable digital services.
As AI workloads and digital traffic continue to increase, integrating AI into telecommunications infrastructure is becoming a strategic priority for operators worldwide.
Investment in intelligent infrastructure strengthens long-term digital resilience and economic competitiveness.
International Recognition Reinforces Algeria’s Digital Progress
The WSIS Forum, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other United Nations agencies, is one of the world’s leading platforms for showcasing digital transformation initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.
Receiving international recognition at the forum reinforces Algeria’s progress in leveraging emerging technologies to modernize its telecommunications sector and expand digital inclusion.
The award also demonstrates Algeria’s growing participation in global discussions on AI, digital infrastructure and technology-led development.
AI Supports Sustainable Development Goals
The AIDI project reflects the increasing alignment between AI deployment and broader sustainable development objectives.
Beyond improving operational efficiency, AI is being used to expand digital access, enhance education, improve public services and create more inclusive digital societies.
Governments are increasingly integrating AI into national development strategies to ensure that technological innovation contributes to economic growth and social inclusion simultaneously.
Why This Matters
Artificial intelligence is becoming an important enabler of digital inclusion, helping governments and telecommunications operators improve access to digital services while optimizing national ICT infrastructure. International recognition also highlights the growing maturity of AI-driven public sector innovation across emerging markets.
For Algérie Télécom, the WSIS 2026 award validates its use of AI to strengthen digital inclusion and modernize telecommunications infrastructure. For Algeria, the recognition reinforces the country’s growing profile in AI-powered digital transformation while supporting national ambitions to build a more inclusive, resilient and technology-driven digital economy.
Editor’s Note
As countries accelerate AI adoption, digital inclusion is emerging as one of the technology’s most impactful public-sector applications. While much of the global AI conversation focuses on productivity and enterprise automation, governments are increasingly using AI to expand access to digital services, improve infrastructure management and reduce connectivity gaps. Algérie Télécom’s recognition at WSIS 2026 reflects this broader shift, demonstrating how AI can strengthen telecommunications infrastructure while advancing inclusive digital development. As digital transformation strategies mature across Africa and the Middle East, AI-enabled inclusion initiatives are likely to become an increasingly important measure of national digital progress.
