Minister Zerrouki Fosters AI, Technology Partnerships in Riyadh
Algeria's Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Sidi Ali Zerrouki, significantly advanced the nation's strategic focus on digital development by intensifying bilateral meetings during the fourth Global Forum on AI Ethics 2026. Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 14 to 17, the forum served as a platform for Minister Zerrouki to bolster Algerian cooperation in technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the country's commitment to enhancing its digital capabilities.
On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Zerrouki engaged in discussions with government officials from Senegal and Ghana. With Samba Diouf, Senegal's Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, talks centered on expanding collaboration in digital transformation, AI governance, digital infrastructure development, and national capacity building in modern technologies. Similarly, discussions with Samuel Nartey George, Ghana's Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, explored avenues for cooperation and experience exchange in digital and technological domains, emphasizing the importance of inter-country coordination for addressing global technology and digital economy issues.
Further strengthening international ties, Minister Zerrouki also met with Saad bin Saleh Al-Aboudi, CEO of the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE). The meeting included a presentation on SITE's operations, followed by a detailed discussion on potential cooperation and partnership opportunities. These included areas such as information technology solutions, cybersecurity, and digital services, aligning with Algeria's interest in leveraging specialized digital and technological expertise and experiences to navigate rapid global transformations.
These multifaceted engagements underscore Algeria's active participation in international dialogues concerning the future and governance mechanisms of artificial intelligence. The series of bilateral meetings in Riyadh highlights a clear direction towards expanding Algerian partnerships with various countries and institutions active in the digital sector. The focus remains steadfast on AI, technological infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital services, and human capacity building, with these contacts anticipated to foster subsequent discussions and partnerships in a field of increasing global strategic importance.
