Riyadh AI Forum Inspires Algerian Digital Economy Plans
Algeria demonstrated its commitment to digital economic transformation and artificial intelligence by actively participating in the Global Forum on AI Ethics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, represented the nation at the prominent international event. This engagement forms part of Algeria's national strategy to revitalize its economy and strengthen electronic payment systems, highlighting a proactive approach to leveraging cutting-edge technology for national development.
Economist Dr. Houari Tigressi highlighted that Algerian-Saudi cooperation in artificial intelligence offers a crucial opportunity for Algeria to acquire expertise in constructing an integrated digital system, moving beyond mere technology acquisition. The forum is viewed as a platform that can transition from exchanging ideas to fostering joint digital projects that directly benefit citizens, institutions, and investors. Dr. Tigressi emphasized that true digital transformation involves fundamentally reshaping administrative operations for greater speed, transparency, and intelligence, rather than simply digitizing existing paper processes. Saudi Arabia's progress in areas such as data integration, digital identity, e-government services, cloud computing, and AI provides an integrated model for Algeria's journey toward an AI-supported digital economy.
This collaboration could yield multiple benefits for Algeria, including the transfer of comprehensive expertise in building integrated digital government systems and the use of AI to streamline bureaucracy through automated processing and faster decision-making. It also aims to develop services tailored for citizens and businesses, minimize redundant information submission, and enhance Algerian competencies through training and partnerships. Ultimately, the objective is to cultivate a productive digital economy where AI functions as a sector creating new companies, jobs, digital services, and export opportunities. While Algeria will adapt the Saudi experience to its unique economic and administrative context, the success of such forums is anticipated to translate into tangible projects within Algeria's administration and economy, signaling a shift from theoretical discussion to practical application of AI in various sectors.
