Algeria’s Minister of Vocational Training and Education, Yacine El Mahdi Oualid, announced on June 17 the phased introduction of 40 new digital specialties across vocational institutes and centers of excellence starting next academic year. This initiative is part of a broader national digital transformation strategy aimed at modernizing vocational education and better aligning it with the evolving needs of Algeria’s economy, especially in fast-growing technology sectors.
The reform intends to enhance graduate employability by equipping youth with in-demand digital skills, supporting the country’s goal to train 500,000 ICT specialists and reduce brain drain by 40%. These efforts are critical to diversifying Algeria’s economy, which remains heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, by nurturing a strong local digital talent pool.
During the event, several cooperation agreements were signed, including partnerships with the National Insurance Company (SAA) to develop apprenticeship programs, and with telecom operator Mobilis and online training provider Beeform Academy to strengthen collaboration between the public sector, businesses, and private educators.
This comprehensive reform seeks to improve youth employment, reinforce Algeria’s national digital ecosystem, and position the country as a regional hub for digital skills development, meeting rising domestic demand for qualified ICT professionals.
