Algeria plans for artificial intelligence to contribute 7% to its GDP by 2027, with investments in advanced infrastructure driving this goal.

Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sid Ali Zerrouki laid the foundation stone Sunday, March 16, for Algeria’s inaugural high-performance computing center dedicated to artificial intelligence in Oran. This infrastructure, deemed a strategic move toward digital sovereignty, aims to provide the country with the intensive computing capacity essential for AI technology development.

During his address, the minister said the center aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision to position Algeria as a leading player in innovation and digital technology across Africa. He highlighted the opportunities this infrastructure will offer researchers, startups, and academic institutions by granting access to advanced technological resources. Equipped with latest-generation graphics processing units (GPUs), the center will provide the necessary power for developing strategic applications in fields such as healthcare, industry, cybersecurity, and smart cities.

This project is part of the recently unveiled national AI strategy, which focuses on several key areas, including strengthening computing infrastructure with data centers and optimized cloud solutions, developing education and research in collaboration with universities and specialized centers, and promoting industrial applications to support startups and businesses in designing AI-based solutions.

With this center, Algeria takes a significant step toward technological autonomy. High-performance computing plays a vital role in optimizing AI models and simulating complex systems in critical sectors such as precision agriculture, energy resource management, and climate modeling. By providing direct access to these advanced computing capabilities, the country reduces its reliance on foreign infrastructure and lowers outsourcing costs. This project contributes to strengthening Algeria’s technological independence while fostering innovation in strategic sectors.

Upon completion, this center is expected to enhance Algeria’s high-performance computing capabilities and accelerate the development of AI applications in key sectors such as precision agriculture, energy resource management, and climate modeling. It will offer local researchers and businesses the opportunity to access advanced technological resources, thereby reducing dependence on foreign infrastructure. This initiative could play a key role in the emergence of a dynamic and competitive AI ecosystem in North Africa.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji