Algeria has launched a series of state-backed industrial companies aimed at strengthening national digital sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign technology infrastructure.
The initiatives form part of a broader strategy launched in 2024 to establish strategic production capabilities in key sectors linked to telecommunications, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
One of the new entities is the Cable Manufacturing Establishment (EPIC-EC), a public industrial and commercial enterprise operating under the economic sector of the People’s National Army (ANP) and headquartered in Réghaïa, Algiers. The company is responsible for designing, producing and developing optical fibre cables and related components, while also supporting national research and development and ensuring quality standards for telecom infrastructure.
A second entity, the Establishment for the Production of Information and Communication Technology Resources (EPIC-EPMTIC), has been established in El-Harrach. This enterprise will focus on the production of ICT equipment and technology resources required for network deployment and cybersecurity infrastructure.
Both companies were created following a Council of Ministers decision issued on 22 May 2024, which directed the development of local fibre-optic production alongside a nationwide fibre deployment programme. The initiative also emphasised diversifying internet service providers and strengthening cybersecurity protections, including the security of submarine cables and core network infrastructure.
Algeria’s “all-fibre” national programme has expanded rapidly in recent years, with 3 million households now connected to fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) compared with just 53,000 in 2020. The launch of domestic fibre manufacturing marks a key milestone for the country, enabling Algeria to transition from importing fibre infrastructure to producing it locally.
Governance of the new industrial entities is closely tied to the Ministry of National Defence, with boards chaired by the minister or an appointed representative, while operational management is overseen by senior officers. This structure reflects the government’s view of digital infrastructure as a strategic national security asset.
The initiatives align with Algeria’s 2025–2029 National Information Systems Security Strategy, which aims to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and safeguard the country’s digital sovereignty.
Beyond fibre-optic manufacturing, EPIC-EPMTIC will also develop ICT equipment to reduce dependency on imported technologies while supporting domestic innovation and research.
In parallel, Algeria has also established the Textile Industry Development Agency (EPIC-EDIT) under Defence Ministry supervision. Although focused on the textile sector, it follows the same strategic model of developing national industrial capacity through state-backed enterprises.
