les acquis de l’Algérie lui ouvrent la voie du leadership continental
Algeria’s Ambitious Digital Transformation Strategy
In a recent statement in Algiers, Meriem Benmouloud, the High Commissioner for Digitalization with ministerial rank, emphasized Algeria’s commitment to achieving continental leadership in digital transformation by 2030. This declaration was made during an information day that introduced the National Strategy for Digital Transformation in Algeria.
Benmouloud noted the significant progress Algeria has made, attributing its potential for digital leadership to the newly adopted strategy. Currently, the country is in the process of developing two data centers, which are crucial elements of this strategy aimed at expanding essential infrastructure. As of now, the data center in Mohammadia is nearing 80% completion, while the one in Blida has reached 50% completion.
Multi-Faceted Strategy
The digital transformation strategy encompasses various domains and serves as a roadmap for realizing Algeria’s digital ambitions. It is built on five primary axes:
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Infrastructure for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): This axis focuses on enhancing the foundational infrastructure, including communication networks, data centers, and necessary equipment to ensure robust connectivity and equitable access to digital services. The objective is to establish over five national data centers and promote the use of the ".dz" domain.
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Human Capital and Training: This component aims to cultivate a skilled workforce in the ICT sector, targeting the training of 500,000 specialists while reducing the brain drain of skilled professionals by 40%.
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Digital Governance: Central to this axis is the digitization of public administration. The goal is to fully digitize internal management and citizen-facing procedures within the public sector.
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Digital Economy: This aspect seeks to minimize cash transactions and eliminate cash payments for financial dealings exceeding 500,000 Algerian Dinars. It also aims to promote startups in the digitization space and position digitalization as a key driver for national economic wealth, aspiring to contribute 20% to the GDP.
- Digital Society: This axis is focused on ensuring equitable access to digital technologies and services. It emphasizes increasing citizen participation in public life through digital means.
Security and Resilience
Rabah Nassim Iklef, a representative from the National Agency for Information System Security (ANSSI) under the National People’s Army (ANP), highlighted an essential element of this strategy: the National Strategy for Information System Security. This strategy outlines the state’s direction and strategic objectives aimed at safeguarding national information systems and sensitive structures. It is designed to ensure their resilience and enable secure digital transformation, thereby protecting Algeria’s digital sovereignty.
Benmouloud’s statements and the multifaceted strategy reflect Algeria’s commitment to developing a robust digital infrastructure, enhancing human capital, and promoting a secure digital economy. Through these efforts, the country aspires to become a leader in digital transformation across Africa by 2030.
Summary
Meriem Benmouloud, Algeria’s High Commissioner for Digitalization, announced the country’s strategy to become a leader in digital transformation by 2030 during a recent information day. This strategy is rooted in five main pillars: enhancing ICT infrastructure, developing human capital, digitizing governance, fostering a digital economy, and promoting a digital society. Progress is underway with projects like the Mohammadia and Blida data centers, and initiatives aim to cultivate 500,000 ICT specialists and secure digital environments. The approach is comprehensive, addressing technology access and economic impact while ensuring national digital sovereignty.
