• Algeria inaugurated its first national center dedicated to technologies and innovation in virtual education systems near Algiers on June 8.

• The facility aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence, digital learning tools and remote education technologies across universities and research institutions.

• The project supports Algeria’s broader goal of building a knowledge-based economy and increasing the number of startups in the country to 20,000 by 2029.

Algeria continues to implement its higher education digitalization strategy. On Monday, June 8, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research inaugurated the country's first national center dedicated to technologies and innovation in virtual education systems in Sidi Abdellah, near Algiers. The initiative seeks to deepen the integration of artificial intelligence and digital tools into teaching practices and scientific research.

The center serves as a platform for developing and testing new learning methods. The facility provides digital infrastructure, distance-learning platforms and specialized resources that support the digitalization of academic programs and research activities.

Authorities expect the center to improve educational quality, encourage pedagogical innovation and prepare students for careers increasingly shaped by emerging technologies.

The initiative forms part of a broader national ambition to build an economy driven by knowledge and innovation. Authorities have set a target of increasing the number of startups in Algeria to 20,000 by 2029. The government intends to leverage universities as key sources of talent, entrepreneurship and technological innovation to achieve that objective.

The project also aligns with the Ministry of Higher Education’s strategy to create a "fourth-generation university" model based on digitalized services, intelligent learning systems and advanced technologies.

Within that framework, Algeria has introduced new academic programs focused on artificial intelligence. The country has also expanded the use of digital tools for student guidance and strengthened AI computing infrastructure at the National Higher School of Artificial Intelligence.

For policymakers, the initiative extends beyond the academic sphere. Authorities increasingly view the development of a national artificial intelligence ecosystem as a driver of economic competitiveness and digital sovereignty. By strengthening education, research and innovation capabilities, Algeria aims to develop the skills required to support the digital transformation of productive sectors and reduce dependence on technologies developed abroad.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum