On Saturday, Algeria adopted its national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to utilize AI technologies across various sectors of activity.
The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the 3rd African Startup Conference at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center (CIC) in Algiers. Present were Noureddine Ouadah, the Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-Enterprises, along with African ministers responsible for the startup sector, and representatives from both public and private sectors.
Professor Merouane Debbah, President of the Scientific Council for Artificial Intelligence, highlighted that this strategy, which aims to adapt to technological innovation developments, revolves around six main axes. These focus on scientific research, creating an environment conducive to AI, developing local capabilities in this field, and supporting startups to provide solutions that meet business expectations.
The strategy also involves setting up data centers and identifying priority sectors for AI application, including agriculture, health, and industry. Professor Debbah added that to implement this strategy effectively, public authorities have allocated a special budget to establish “Algeria’s leadership in AI at the African level.”
He further noted that the strategy will facilitate the development of Algerian AI solutions, reducing reliance on foreign imports. With this strategy, “Algeria now has a clear vision and specific goals it aims to achieve in technological innovation,” he stated.
Professor Debbah also emphasized the importance for African countries to follow Algeria’s lead by defining their own AI strategies to better adapt to the rapid global developments in this field.
It should be noted that the Scientific Council for Artificial Intelligence is an advisory body with a scientific focus, operating under the supervision of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Minister of Knowledge, Startups, and Micro-Enterprises. Its main tasks include assessing available human and material resources in AI, proposing training plans, and exploring international cooperation opportunities.
