The Development of Algeria’s ICT Infrastructure in the Context of Digital Transformation

The development of the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, which is at the core of the digital economy, is of particular importance in Algeria in light of the global transition to so-called Industrialization 4.0 and the plans of the Algerian leadership to make Algeria, which currently ranks third in Africa in terms of economy, a regional leader in digital transformation. In August 2024, the Algerian parliament approved the concept of “Digital Algeria 2030,” whereby significant state funding was allocated for the implementation of ICT infrastructure projects. The purpose of this paper is to assess the state of the ICT infrastructure in Algeria and the degree of its readiness to implement the national concept of digital transformation. In the course of the research, the strategy “Digital Algeria 2030,” published in May 2025, was examined, international rating data was critically summarized, and a comparative characterization of Algeria’s ICT sector in the regional context was provided. The qualitative characteristics of the ICT market in Algeria, its peculiarities and structure were also analyzed. The conclusion made by the author is that in recent years, Algeria has demonstrated relative progress in developing its ICT infrastructure and is fundamentally ready, in a year or two, to accomplish a quantum leap in the field of technology (to implement widely complex AI technologies, cloud computing, and Big Data). The paper also identifies promising areas of Russian cooperation with Algeria in the field of ICT. These include specialized personnel training, financial digital technologies, smart city and e-government concepts, automation of agriculture and industry using AI, development and transfer of software and equipment (data centers, servers, infrastructure for 5G networks). The active policy of the Algerian government in the ICT sector allows for potential economic dividends from digital transformation in the future and an expected increase in the contribution of the ICT sector to the national GDP.