Analysis

Algiers Smart City paves the way for other cities in the developing world
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The goal of smart city design is to improve the standards of living for citizens by optimising resources through digital solutions. In addition to advancing the wilaya (province) of Algiers, the Algiers Smart City envisions setting a new baseline for technology development in other cities in Algeria and further abroad. Although the strategies used by each smart city vary, as they draw on a…

Analysis

Algiers Smart City set to reposition Algeria as a regional technological frontrunner
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Algeria is at the crossroads of its very own technological revolution. While there are several challenges to address – including the development of supporting infrastructure – there is clear momentum to create a much-needed innovation ecosystem. In particular, the country has a unique opportunity to shape a new model for smart cities that is adaptable to emerging markets. The opportunity…

Analysis

Development of Algiers Smart City under way
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The Algiers Smart City project was launched in mid-2017 and has spearheaded a number of innovative projects, including a local start-up’s development of cloud and big data platform that secured global customers within its first year. Several other projects involving over 50 local engineers from are also in motion. Meanwhile, partnerships with four multinational firms were announced and executed…

Analysis

Hotel and tourism upgrades provide new jobs across Algeria
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With new hotel and tourism developments in the pipeline, Algeria is looking to boost job growth in the industry while developing the skills needed in the labour force. In addition, the 2021 Mediterranean Games are set to give training programmes a timely boost as host city Oran prepares to take centre stage. Indeed, the July 2018 opening of a branch of the Algiers Higher School of Hotel and…

Analysis

E-payments yet to gain widespread use in Algeria
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Advances in financial technology (fintech) have been slow to arrive to Algeria. A low bank penetration rate remains a significant challenge, notwithstanding substantial progress in recent years (see analysis), as do a cultural preference for cash and the dominance of state-run banks that have little incentive to innovate. Framework In June 2017 the government announced that Algérie Poste would roll…

Analysis

Partnership between Algeria and China accelerates economic growth and infrastructure expansion
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In 2018 Algeria and China celebrated their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a particularly notable achievement considering China has recently become the number-one source of Algerian imports. “The two countries are pioneers that have made history in many areas in the expansion of China-Arab ties,” China’s minister of foreign affairs, Wang Yi, said in a statement at the China-Arab States…

Analysis

Financial inclusion important to Algeria's development
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In developing and emerging market economies, the share of the population with access to basic financial services tends to lag significantly behind that of advanced economies. This can be chalked up to the relatively smaller size and sophistication of the banking sector, lower incomes, a higher degree of informal employment and patchy identification records prevalent in less developed countries. As…

Analysis

Private equity investments to deepen and diversify Algeria's economy
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Investment funds are smart financing tools that encourage private investment by providing shortand medium-term capital resources to companies. Private equity financing supports companies looking to finance their foundation, growth and in some cases recovery and maintenance. Furthermore, in an economic context in which financing needs are steadily increasing, they represent a real operational solution…

Analysis

Legislative reforms expected to enhance Algeria's budget planning
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One of the most important budgetary reforms to be introduced in Algeria in recent years was the promulgation of the Organic Finance Law on Finance Laws in August 2018. Annual finance laws from 2021 will be prepared under procedures and parameters set out in the new Organic Law. Requiring several years before it is fully implemented, the legislation represents the first such fundamental change to the…

Analysis

Import restrictions and structural reforms boost Algeria's domestic production
OBG
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The fall in oil prices from mid-2014 onwards not only heralded an economic slowdown and a sharp rise in Algeria’s twin deficits, it also called into question the longer-term sustainability of the country’s hydrocarbons-dependent development model. In July 2016 the authorities unveiled their new growth plan, a strategic vision to transform the economy by 2030. The overarching objective is to promote…