The somewhat tense relations of recent months between France and Algeria are gradually returning to good shape. Beyond the memory issue, a source of friction, the two countries are capitalizing on development issues.
On a working and friendship visit to Algeria from Thursday, August 25 to Friday, August 26, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron (photo, center), announced several cooperation projects between the two countries. In the digital segment in particular, he unveiled the project to create a Franco-Algerian incubator. The objective according to the French Head of State is to pool the knowledge and innovation of the two countries.
“You have a lot of talents, we have them too; many of our dual nationals have these talents. This is why I would like us to be able to develop together bridges, the possibility of having trained here, of developing them, but also of facilitating exchanges and joint creations between our two countries, but throughout the region.”
Apart from the training framework for tech entrepreneurs and the maturation of their innovative digital projects, President Emmanuel Macron, who is aware of the importance of financing in the growth of digital businesses, also mentioned the creation of a specific support fund of 100 million of euros.
He indicated that “the BPI [Public Investment Bank] will have this key role which was announced a few months ago but which will allow many, in particular, young and old in the diaspora, to be able to promote projects, bring them to this shore of the Mediterranean.”
In the digital cooperation between France and Algeria, the businessman and boss of Free Xavier Niel, who was part of the delegation of the French head of state, will also make his contribution. He announced the upcoming opening of School 42. The free and accessible computer coding school without a degree was first announced five years ago. This new declaration could mean the removal of the obstacles that have hindered its implementation since 2017.
