• Algeria will waive stock exchange listing fees for startups between 2026 and 2028 to lower barriers to public market financing.
• The measure targets startups raising up to USD 3.8M (DZD 500M) through the exchange’s Growth segment.
• Regulators aim to strengthen capital markets as a long-term funding option for early-stage and scaling companies.

Algeria

Algeria is moving to make its capital market more accessible to startups as part of a broader push to diversify funding channels. Financial regulators have approved a temporary exemption from stock exchange listing fees, targeting young companies seeking growth capital through public markets.

The decision was taken jointly by the  Commission d’Organisation et de Surveillance des Opérations de Bours (COSOB), Algérie Clearing, and the Algiers Stock Exchang. The exemption will apply for three years, covering the period from 2026 through 2028.

Authorities say the measure fits within a wider public policy aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation. By easing access to market-based financing, regulators hope startups can rely less on bank loans and early-stage grants as they scale.

The incentive focuses on the exchange’s “Growth” segment, which is designed specifically for startups and smaller companies. This segment offers listing conditions better aligned with the size, risk profile, and financing needs of early-stage businesses.

Eligible companies must hold Algeria’s official “Startup” label and raise capital through the Growth segment to qualify. The exemption applies to fundraising rounds capped at DZD 500 million and completed from February 1, 2026 onward.

Listing

Beyond waiving listing fees, the initiative removes several additional costs that often discourage startups from going public. These include regulatory visa fees on disclosure documents approved by the market authority, as well as admission fees to the exchange’s official pricing list.

Startups will also benefit from exemptions on custody, settlement, and securities management fees handled by the national clearing company. Together, these reductions significantly lower the total cost of accessing public markets.

Algerian regulators see capital markets as a critical but underused financing tool for startups. Many young companies struggle to secure traditional bank financing due to limited assets and higher risk profiles.

By reducing costs and simplifying access, authorities aim to position the stock exchange as a viable funding route earlier in a company’s lifecycle. The move also complements Algeria’s broader efforts to scale its startup ecosystem and attract long-term private investment.

If the policy gains traction, it could improve liquidity, visibility, and funding options for Algerian startups. Over time, this may help deepen the country’s capital markets and support sustainable business growth.