The Minister of Internal Trade and Regulation of the National Market has announced that electronic commerce has become a significant driver of Algeria’s national economy. It serves as an effective tool for expanding distribution channels and bringing products closer to consumers. The Minister, Amel Abdelatif, emphasized its increasing role in integrating traders and artisans, especially young people, into the modern economic cycle.
Speaking at the opening of the first ordinary session of the National Council of the General Union of Traders and Artisans, themed ‘E-Commerce: A Bet on the Digital Economy,’ the Minister highlighted the state’s commitment, under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to building a strong, innovation-driven digital economy. This includes streamlining procedures and improving the business climate.
The Ministry of Internal Trade and Regulation of the National Market is actively supporting this transformation by strengthening the legal and regulatory framework for e-commerce, intensifying digitization efforts, and promoting electronic payment methods. These measures aim to protect consumers, foster fair competition, and combat illegal practices, particularly in the digital space.
Minister Abdelatif revealed that the number of economic operators registered in the commercial register exceeds 2.4 million as of December 2025. Among these, approximately 1.1 million are retail traders, representing over 42% of the total. This highlights the significant weight of retail trade and its pivotal role in supplying the national market and meeting the daily needs of citizens.
The Minister explained that commercial activity is heavily concentrated in the retail and services sectors. Around 37.6% of operators are active in the services sector, exceeding 975,000 operators, while 14.45% are involved in the production of services and goods, representing approximately 375,000 operators. This reflects a gradual shift in the commercial fabric towards activities with added value and adaptability to the demands of the digital economy.
Conversely, the Minister noted that activity rates in certain areas remain limited. Wholesale trade accounts for only 4.45%, import for resale represents 0.9%, export accounts for 0.31%, and artisanal production comprises just 0.18%. The Minister stressed that these figures necessitate efforts to expand the base of operators in these areas, particularly by leveraging the opportunities offered by e-commerce and digital platforms.
