Algeria has set an ambitious goal for artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute 7% to its GDP by 2027, as announced by Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sid Ali Zerrouki at the third edition of the CTO Forum Algeria on February 17. This initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global leader in AI.
To achieve this goal, Algeria has invested in top-tier universities specializing in AI, robotics, and mathematics, while also launching incubators nationwide to promote innovation and support technology startups. In line with this vision, state-owned telecom operator Algérie Télécom has committed 1.5 billion dinars ($11.1 million) to establish an investment fund for AI, cybersecurity, and robotics startups. This initiative aligns with a national plan to create 20,000 startups rapidly.
The government is also focusing on skill development through programs like Scale Centers, which aim to train young people—especially those without university degrees—in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Furthermore, the National AI Commission has rolled out an ambitious strategy to energize the sector.
Building Digital Infrastructure for AI Growth
To support AI’s expansion, Algeria has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, including 265,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable and 1,400 4G-connected sites. By 2025, the country plans to deploy an additional 7,000 4G stations to enhance connectivity and internet speeds, particularly in remote areas.
If successful, these efforts could drive economic transformation in sectors such as industry, agriculture, and services, where AI is expected to optimize resources, automate processes, and improve data-driven decision-making. With a focus on fostering local startups capable of developing advanced technological solutions, Algeria could enhance its economic efficiency and potentially become a technology exporter.
Google’s West Africa director, Olumide Balogun, emphasized that AI could add up to $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030, highlighting the importance of Algeria’s investment in AI to capture a share of this rapidly growing market.
