Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Algeria has broken ground on an AI data center in Oran, aiming to boost technological access for researchers and startups. The facility is part of the country’s broader strategy to grow its AI sector, contributing 7% to its GDP by 2027, and positioning Algeria as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
Algerian start-up Nrecycli won the “Youth Social Entrepreneurs Award” in Doha, Qatar, for its innovative plastic waste management project. Since 2019, Nrecycli has been collecting recycled plastic in Algiers and Blida, collaborating with local stakeholders to promote sustainability and enhance recycling rates in Algeria.
L’Algérienne Vie (AGLIC) has partnered with Banque Nationale d’Algérie (BNA) to launch a digital solution for underwriting and paying insurance policies online via the “WIMPAY-BNA” app. AGLIC reported a 154.3% increase in net profit for 2023, reaching 501 million DZD, with a return on equity of 31%.
On Pan African Post Day, Algérie Poste highlighted its role in financial inclusion, managing over 29 million postal accounts and providing services to 15 million Gold Card holders. The organization continues expanding its digital services, ensuring accessibility for all, including those with special needs, and fostering sustainable development and economic growth.
In 2024, Algeria’s FGAR funded 386 SMEs with a total of USD 427 million, creating over 8,000 jobs. The fund provided loans and financial guarantees across various sectors and regions, supporting business growth. Additionally, it recently expanded loan offerings to include both investment and operating loans.
Algeria will launch the “DZ MOB PAY” mobile payment system in January 2025, enabling secure smartphone transactions. The platform aims to boost financial inclusion and digitalization, offering free and user-friendly services. With key institutions leading the initiative, it marks a pivotal step in Algeria’s digital payment ecosystem.
This initiative is part of Algeria’s broader national digital transformation strategy, aiming to enhance efficiency, innovation, and connectivity across various sectors.
Algeria is set to launch a mobile payment system in January 2025, aiming to advance digital transformation and financial inclusion.
Algeria is set to accelerate its digital transformation with the launch of over 500 projects by 2026, focusing on modernizing public services. These initiatives align with the “Digital Algeria 2030” strategy, aiming to enhance e-governance and improve access to services, positioning Algeria as a regional digital leader.
Algeria and South Africa’s space agencies, ASAL and SANSA, signed an MoU on December 6, 2024, to enhance cooperation in space science and technology. The agreement aims to develop joint projects, share expertise, and promote space technologies for peaceful purposes, strengthening bilateral ties in the space sector.