L’activité de collecte de plastique introduite dans le dispositif de l’auto-entrepreneur dans le cadre d’un projet pilote
Summary of the Initiative for Plastic Collection in Algeria
In a significant development for entrepreneurial activities focused on sustainability, the Algerian government has officially included plastic collection in the list of activities eligible for the "auto-entrepreneur" status. This decision is part of a pilot project aimed at supporting 1,000 participants in the plastic recycling sector, as announced by Nacima Arhab, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro-Enterprises.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the National Microcredit Management Agency (ANGEM) and the National Auto-Entrepreneur Agency (ANAE), seeks to bolster operations related to the collection, transformation, and recycling of plastic materials. This new provision allows collectors to obtain an auto-entrepreneur card and access financial facilities to enhance their operations. Arhab emphasized that beneficiaries can secure loans without the need for initial capital to purchase essential equipment or vehicles for collection tasks.
The loans can reach up to one million dinars, applying the same conditions as those for microcredit. This program opens opportunities for all social categories, officially integrating plastic collection into the auto-entrepreneur activity framework. The introduction of this activity aligns with the state’s strategy to create jobs in sectors tied to the circular economy and sustainable environmental practices. Additionally, it provides the opportunity for initiative holders to conduct their operations legally while benefiting from comprehensive social coverage and a preferential tax regime.
Arhab also reported that the number of auto-entrepreneur cardholders has exceeded expectations, with over 30,000 individuals recorded since the card’s launch in January 2024. Notably, 45% of these activities are linked to the digital sector. The list of auto-entrepreneur activities now encompasses more than 1,300 categories. The card is issued to individuals running activities with annual revenue not exceeding 5 million dinars, offering various advantages, such as exemption from commercial register registration and the elimination of the need for a physical business premises.
To further facilitate access to the auto-entrepreneur card, Minister Noureddine Ouadah announced the official launch of the National Auto-Entrepreneur Guide on the ANAE platform during the first National Auto-Entrepreneur Fair. More than 15,000 new applications for the auto-entrepreneur card have been received, which are currently under review using intelligent solutions developed in cooperation with students from the National School of Artificial Intelligence (ENSIA). This technological enhancement allows the platform to automatically identify eligible activities in compliance with legal standards.
Thus, this initiative not only paves the way for a greener economy by encouraging sustainable waste management practices but also enhances the entrepreneurial landscape in Algeria, promoting legal compliance and social benefits for participants.
