Algeria’s Minister of Trade Highlights Youth Empowerment at UNCTAD
Geneva, October 23, 2025 – Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig, presented Algeria’s successful approach to supporting youth and entrepreneurship at a session on “Youth and the Green Economy.” The session took place during the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Minister Rezig championed Algeria’s experience in empowering young people and fostering entrepreneurship. He emphasized that under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria has made youth empowerment a cornerstone of its economic and social policy. A key element of this commitment is the establishment of a dedicated ministry for startups and micro-enterprises.
This ministry, Rezig explained, focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs through every stage of their business journey. This includes idea generation, securing funding, scaling operations, and ultimately, exporting their products and services. The approach is comprehensive, aiming to build a diversified economy based on innovation and knowledge.
“After five years of implementing this strategy,” Rezig stated, “Algeria now boasts hundreds of startups operating in sectors like technology, smart agriculture, renewable energy, and digital services.” He argued that this growth demonstrates the success of the national policy in encouraging initiative and entrepreneurship among young people.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of youth as a renewable resource for building the future of the African continent. He affirmed Algeria’s ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering young people to become active participants in sustainable development. Algeria views investing in youth entrepreneurship as a critical path to economic diversification and job creation.
Algeria’s focus on supporting startups is not limited to financial assistance. The government also provides mentorship programs, access to incubator spaces, and training initiatives to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. This holistic approach aims to create a thriving ecosystem for startups to flourish.
The Algerian model, as presented at UNCTAD, offers valuable insights for other developing nations seeking to unlock the potential of their youth. By prioritizing entrepreneurship and providing targeted support, countries can empower young people to drive economic growth and contribute to a more sustainable future. The success of Algerian startups in diverse fields illustrates the effectiveness of this strategy and highlights the potential for replication in other contexts.
This presentation at UNCTAD further solidifies Algeria’s commitment to the global dialogue on sustainable development and the role of youth in achieving these goals. The focus on green economy initiatives also demonstrates a commitment to environmentally responsible economic growth, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices.
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