Algiers, January 24, 2026 – Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, has been appointed as a member of the African Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council, marking a significant step in Algeria’s commitment to advancing AI development across the continent.
Minister Zerrouki participated in the inaugural meeting of the Council, established under the Smart Africa alliance, via video conference. This appointment places him among a select group of ministers and experts from various African nations, according to a statement released by the Ministry.
The meeting provided a platform to present and discuss the roadmap for activating the African AI Council and the mechanisms for implementing the African AI Strategy. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies continent-wide, adopting a responsible, inclusive, and sovereign approach that serves the interests of all African people.
Furthermore, discussions included the Council’s annual meeting schedule, identifying key milestones, and exploring the creation of specialized technical working groups.
During his participation, Minister Zerrouki affirmed Algeria’s commitment to actively contributing to the formulation of policies, strategic frameworks, and regulations related to AI governance and digital infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with fellow African nations in areas of innovation, capacity building, and human resource development.
The appointment of Minister Zerrouki is particularly noteworthy, as he is among a select group of only 15 members chosen from 226 prominent figures, including 54 ministers. The Council comprises five ministers, six experts in the field, and four co-chairs (two ministers and two experts). The co-chairs will be elected on March 1st during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
The members of the Council were selected by a tripartite committee consisting of the International Telecommunication Union, the African Union, and the Smart Africa alliance. This appointment underscores Algeria’s growing influence in the digital landscape of Africa.
