The e-commerce market in Algeria, which has experienced rapid growth in recent years, now exceeds $1.5 billion. This expansion is largely attributed to an increase in the number of payment cards in circulation, according to Abdelouahab Gaoua, president of the Algerian Group of Digital Actors (GAAN).
“Given its pivotal role in transforming economies worldwide, e-commerce in Algeria is valued at over $1.5 billion, and the number of payment cards in circulation has surpassed 18 million,” Gaoua emphasized during the “Rakmana” Forum on Digitalization, organized by GAAN in partnership with Algeria Telecom.
The 14th edition of the forum, themed “E-commerce: A Driver of Digital Transformation, Financial Inclusion, and Economic Development,” attracted a substantial audience of companies and operators within the digital and ICT sectors, including numerous startups.
According to Gaoua, e-commerce acts as a “strategic lever” for accelerating digital transformation, making digital technologies more accessible to businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—and promoting financial inclusion by broadening access to new financial services through fast and secure payment solutions.
“In today’s economic landscape, e-commerce is essential as it drives economic development by enabling companies to enter new markets and enhance their competitiveness, ultimately fostering overall economic growth,” he added.
Despite the increasing value of Algeria’s e-commerce market and its diverse range of participants, professionals continue to face challenges, such as the ongoing reliance on cash payments (or cash on delivery) in online commerce, a point highlighted by various speakers.
E-Payment: New Incentives Expected in 2025
In Algeria, 95% of online purchases are made using cash, which presents significant challenges for logistics operators, including transport and delivery companies, as noted by Anis Ababsia, a GAAN member. He emphasized the necessity of expanding the network of Algerian websites dedicated to e-commerce, pointing out that much of this activity currently occurs via social media platforms.
Abou Bakr Belloul, head of division at GIE Monétique, announced that next year will see the introduction of new electronic payment methods, including instant payments via POS terminals and contactless options.
As the regulatory body overseeing monetary activities in Algeria, GIE Monétique is collaborating with the Bank of Algeria and various interbank participants, including Satim and several banks, to implement instant payment solutions.
“This project aims to establish a system that allows merchants to receive immediate credit during payment operations via POS terminals, reducing the current wait time of 48 to 72 hours. Implementation is scheduled for 2025,” he explained.
Moreover, GIE Monétique is preparing regulatory texts and standards to govern contactless card payment services, a process that requires meticulous attention to functionality and security.
Reiterating GIE Monétique’s commitment to enhancing the electronic payment ecosystem, Belloul highlighted that new legal and fiscal incentives will soon be introduced, particularly through the 2025 finance bill.
Founded in 2020, GAAN is an association that unites operators and professionals within Algeria’s digital sector. Its mission is to “bring together stakeholders in the Algerian digital ecosystem to address common business challenges by providing sustainable solutions.”
