Digital transformation is a key priority for the Algerian government. On February 9, during a Council of Ministers meeting, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called for measures to speed up the digitization process.

Algeria officially launched electronic signatures and certification on Sunday, January 16, as part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts. The launch ceremony was attended by Sid Ali Zerrouki, Minister of Post and Telecommunications.

According to a statement from the ministry, the Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE) has been designated as the national electronic certification authority. It will oversee and regulate service providers offering electronic signature and certification services to the public.

"Electronic certification, also known as digital certification or electronic certificates, is a process that ensures the authenticity, integrity, and security of electronically transmitted or stored information. It relies on cryptographic keys (public and private) to secure data and online transactions," the ministry explained on its website. The World Bank defines an electronic signature as "a signature generated by electronic means to authenticate an electronic transaction."

This launch comes about a month after the signing of a framework agreement between the National People’s Assembly (APN) and the Governmental Electronic Certification Authority (AGCE) to integrate electronic certification and signature services. It aligns with Algeria’s ambition to accelerate digital transformation, a pillar of its socioeconomic development strategy. The government aims to build a true information society by expanding the use of ICT across all economic sectors.

The World Bank has emphasized the importance of transitioning to electronic signatures as digital transactions become more prevalent. "The lack of trusted and legally-recognized means of authenticating electronic transactions has forced a continued reliance on in-person handwritten signatures, undermining digitalization efforts by necessitating recourse to in-person interaction to complete a transaction," the institution noted in its report "Electronic Signatures – Enabling Trusted Digital Transformation," published in September 2024.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji