ALGIERS – Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria’s ambition to become an African leader in technology and innovation, driven by the dynamic growth of startups. He also announced the launch of a national competition to recognise the best startups, celebrating the achievements of Algeria’s youth and the nation’s nurturing environment for their aspirations.
In his speech, delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro-Enterprises, Yacine El-Mahdi Oualid, President Tebboune highlighted the comprehensive reforms being implemented in the micro-enterprise sector. These reforms aim to break away from past dependency cultures that had proven ineffective. He emphasised the restructuring of state institutions responsible for supporting microenterprises and the increased investment in project support, particularly through universities and training institutes. These efforts, he noted, are focused on fostering entrepreneurship by offering diverse forms of support, extending beyond financial assistance to include training programs that ensure the long-term success and sustainability of new businesses.
The President expressed satisfaction with the ongoing transformation, which has already made Algeria a model of success in turning ideas into reality in a business-friendly environment. He added that this shift was a key component of the country’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly among young people.
Moreover, President Tebboune highlighted that Global Entrepreneurship Week, which saw the participation of over one million young people nationwide, was a powerful demonstration of Algeria’s youth’s strong confidence in the government’s political commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and startups. He emphasised the importance of establishing a legal and regulatory framework that fosters a stable and stimulating environment, which is crucial for successfully transitioning to a knowledge-based economy.
He also disclosed that, as a result of these efforts, more than 2,000 startups have been officially recognised with the “startup” label, out of a total of 8,000 registered companies. In addition, he drew attention to the establishment of Africa’s first public fund for startups, which offers ongoing public support for promising projects. This initiative underscores Algeria’s commitment to valuing national talent and fostering private investment through significant and unprecedented incentives.
The President reiterated Algeria’s commitment to expanding support for entrepreneurship, highlighting the introduction of the “self-entrepreneur” law, which allows youth to register as entrepreneurs online and access benefits such as social insurance, preferential taxation, and simplified accounting. He noted that the program had quickly gained momentum, with over 20,000 self-employed entrepreneurs receiving their official status shortly after its launch.
President Tebboune expressed optimism about transforming the success stories of Algerian youth into internationally recognised companies. He pointed to Algeria’s growing involvement in global innovation networks, including participation in major technological exhibitions and the development of new partnerships with African nations. The President also underscored Algeria’s role in fostering economic and scientific collaboration across the continent, noting the hosting of the African Startups Conference—an important event that strengthens ties among African youth entrepreneurs.
The Algerian President emphasised the importance of initiative and courage for entrepreneurs, urging them to seize available opportunities, overcome challenges, and persevere in their efforts. He concluded by stressing that the path to economic revival depends on the state’s trust in its youth and their active role in national development. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to continue seizing opportunities and moving forward with determination and resilience.
