Many African nations are actively working to leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) to boost their socio-economic progress. A key focus for these countries is fostering international collaboration to achieve their development objectives.

Algeria is exploring bilateral partnership opportunities with African nations to advance information and communication technologies (ICT). Sid Ali Zerrouki (photo, right), Minister of Post and Telecommunications, held separate meetings with his peers from Tunisia, Mauritania, the Comoros, and the Congo on the sidelines of the ministerial summit at the third African Startup Conference. The event took place in Algeria from December 5 to December 7.

According to a statement from Algeria’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and sharing expertise in key areas of mutual interest. These included telecommunications infrastructure, electronic communications regulation, training, data centers, ICT development, as well as support for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

This initiative aligns with a broader trend across Africa, where most countries are prioritizing digital transformation as a cornerstone of their socio-economic development strategies. Central to this effort is the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure and ICT.

Algeria currently ranks sixth in Africa among 47 countries assessed for ICT development by the International Telecommunication Union, with a score of 80.9 out of 100. Tunisia follows in eighth place (77.2), Mauritania is 21st (55.5), the Comoros are 25th (46.5), and Congo ranks 42nd (30.7).

Notably, a joint study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google predicts that Africa's digital economy will reach a value of at least $712 billion by 2050, accounting for approximately 8.5% of the continent's GDP.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji