• Algérie Télécom established a USD 11 million investment company to boost AI startups, cybersecurity, and robotics. 
• The government plans to establish 20,000 startups, expand digital infrastructure, and invest in AI-focused universities and incubators.
• To further foster AI, the government aims to establish training programs, innovation hubs with a goal for AI to contribute 7% to GDP by 2027.

AI Investment Fund

What is the deal? Algeria’s state-owned telecom company Algérie Télécom announced USD 11 million (DZD 1.5 billion) investment fund to support AI startups. This fund will also support cybersecurity and robotics.

The fund was unveiled at the third edition of Algeria’s CTO Forum as part of the state’s national AI and digital transformation strategy. Furthermore, the initiative  was announced by Algerian Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sid Ali Zerrouki. 

The Minister stated in the forum that their goal is to achieve a 7%  GDP contribution through AI by 2027.

How will these funds be used?  With the fund, the aim is to establish 20,000 startups. The government is also investing in AI-focused universities, incubators and a nation-wide digital infrastructure expansion to strengthen Algeria’s technological innovation.

Algeria’s AI Landscape

What’s the plan? Algeria has witnessed a recent emphasis on AI and digital economy aiming to position AI as a driver of GDP growth. In 2023, the Algerian government formed a National Scientific Council for Artificial Intelligence (AI Council).  The AI council recently unveiled a national 2025-2030 AI strategy supported by a network of business incubators. Moreover, The strategy is led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Knowledge as well the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-entreprises.
To achieve this strategy, the country has inaugurated training programs called “Scale Centers” to foster skills in AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing amongst the youth.Additonally, they aim to invest in universities specializing in AI, robotics and mathematics. As well as establishing incubators nationwide to foster innovation and tech startups.