• Algeria launched a National Digital University Library providing access to 110,990 digitized academic resources, including 90,794 doctoral theses and 15,546 patents.

• The government targets 500,000 digital documents by 2027 to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education.

• The initiative aims to enhance research, innovation, and academic accessibility, though challenges such as limited infrastructure and cybersecurity risks remain.

Algeria has launched a National Digital University Library as part of its strategy to modernize higher education and strengthen research through digital innovation. The initiative, led by Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Kamel Baddari, was unveiled on October 20 in Algiers.

Developed by the Office of University Publications (OPU), the platform gives students, teachers, and researchers access to 110,990 digital academic resources. The collection includes 4,154 OPU publications, 90,794 doctoral theses, 380 Arabic-language works provided by the High Council for the Arabic Language (HCLA), 124 historical books on Algeria’s national movement and the 1954 Revolution, and 15,546 national and international patents integrated in partnership with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI).

From November 2025, Algerian residents abroad will be able to purchase OPU publications online via the platform.

The digital library forms a core part of the ministry’s strategy to digitalize the higher education system and foster an inclusive, connected academic ecosystem.

Minister Baddari said the project “marks a key step in aligning Algeria’s universities with global digital standards and improving access to scientific knowledge.”

Through this initiative, the government seeks to facilitate administrative efficiency, data access, and knowledge sharing across Algeria’s universities, while improving research output and collaboration between institutions.

The ministry aims to expand the collection to 500,000 electronic documents by 2027, signaling a long-term commitment to digital transformation in academia.

The project involves multiple institutional partnerships to enrich the library’s content and ensure interoperability between research centers. Key partners include the HCLA, the Center for Research on Scientific and Technical Information, the National Center for Studies on the National Movement, and the INAPI.

These collaborations are expected to broaden Algeria’s academic and scientific databases, making them accessible through a unified digital interface.

Despite its ambition, the digital transition faces several obstacles. Some universities and regions still lack sufficient technological infrastructure, and students without adequate digital devices may struggle to benefit from the new platform.

Experts have also warned of cybersecurity risks, including data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and technical system failures.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum