Zerrouki Inaugurates Algeria’s First Skills Center: A Major Leap Toward Digital Excellence

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Government Pledges 1.5 Billion Dinars to Boost Startups in AI, Cybersecurity, and Robotics

Algiers, Algeria | February 20th, 2025 — In a landmark move to accelerate Algeria’s digital transformation, the Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, inaugurated on Thursday the country’s first-ever Skills Center, housed within the former premises of Algérie Télécom in Sétif. This pioneering institution marks the first in a series of hubs designed to cultivate a highly skilled workforce, positioning Algeria at the forefront of the global technological revolution.

The newly established Skills Center is part of a broader national strategy to develop centers of excellence across all regions, aimed at offering free training to young Algerians in cutting-edge technological fields. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, and other emerging disciplines within Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The initiative aligns with Algeria’s vision of equipping the next generation with the expertise required to spearhead the nation’s digital transformation.

A Network of Excellence to Propel Algeria’s Digital Future

Minister Zerrouki underscored that the Sétif center will serve as the nucleus of a nationwide Skills Center network, fostering a talent pool capable of integrating seamlessly into both national and international digital ecosystems. The initiative is expected to enhance young professionals’ capabilities, aligning their expertise with the rapidly evolving demands of the global digital economy.

Beyond individual skills development, the center will serve as a platform for fostering strategic partnerships between universities and economic enterprises, bridging the gap between academic research and technological industry needs. By stimulating scientific research and fostering the creation of innovative solutions, the project aims to catalyze technological advancements that respond to both national and regional market demands.

A Bold Financial Commitment to Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Reaffirming the government’s steadfast support for technological innovation, Zerrouki announced a 1.5 billion dinar investment dedicated to supporting startups specializing in AI, Cybersecurity, and Robotics. This substantial financial commitment is set to bolster Algeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, encouraging youth-led innovation and the development of disruptive technologies capable of driving sustainable economic growth.

“The initiative is in line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision of empowering startups and fostering a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. This investment will not only fuel technological breakthroughs but will also generate new employment opportunities for Algeria’s youth, ensuring their active participation in shaping the country’s digital future,” Zerrouki emphasized.

Strategic Partnerships to Strengthen Algeria’s Startup Ecosystem

As part of the inauguration event, several strategic agreements were formalized to fortify Algeria’s innovation landscape. Algérie Télécom signed framework agreements with the University of Ferhat-Abbas and Mohamed-Lamine Debaghine University, alongside the Directorate of Industry and the Sétif branch of the Algerian Council for Economic Renewal. These collaborations seek to enhance the development of the startup ecosystem, promote entrepreneurship, and increase youth engagement in Algeria’s digital transformation efforts.

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