At the ministerial summit held yesterday bringint together 14 ministers in-person and 12 others online, representing 26 countries, Algeria has again asserted its role as visionary leader in Artificial intelligence in Africa.
In his speech, Minister of Post and Telecommunications Mr. Sid Ali Zerrouki has highlited the strategic investments and major initiatives taken by the Algerian government in order to promote and prepare for the AI adoption. Among these achievements, there is:
- The National School of Artificial Intelligence, created pursuant to the proactive vision of President of the Republic Mr.Abdelmadjid Tebboune five years ago, long before the AI becomes the main topic worldwide.
- The launch of the biggest Data Center and computing center in the area, a key infrastructure for massive data processing and rise of emerging technologies.
- Skills Centers and the AI investment Fund to reinforce the development of skills and technological innovation in Algeria.
The minister has also spotlighted the outcomes of the last ministerial summit held on the sidelines of the African Startup Conference, which led to a joint statement and roadmap for AI adoption in Africa. He said it is important to consider this roadmap as a baseline for Africa AI Council, urging for its reinforcement and adoption throughout Africa.
Furthermore, the minister pointed ou that Algeria remains the ideal site for future investments location in terms of Big Data Centers. He underscored that this priviledged position lies on strong telecoms infrastructures, the wealth of highly qualified human capital, energy competitiveness thanks to an abundant resource and a central geographic position, making Algeria an essential technology hub both in Africa and in the Mediterranean.
This proactive approach was strongly welcomed by participants. Mr. Lacina Koné, Managing Director of Smart Africa, reiterated the importance of building on the deliverables of the African Ministerial Summit at the ASC, stressing that this work should serve as a basis for developing AI strategies for the continent.
Algeria continues to chart the way towards an ambitious and inclusive digital transformation in Africa, putting innovation and talent training at the heart of its action. A vision that echoes the challenges and opportunities of a future firmly focused on artificial intelligence.