Algerian Radio
Chemseddine Benmoussat, the Director of Startups and Support Structures at the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-enterprises, provided a detailed overview this Wednesday of the evolution of the national entrepreneurial ecosystem, marked by sustained momentum, structural reforms, and a distinct openness to the international stage.
Speaking on the program "L’invité du jour " (The Guest of the Day) on Algerian Radio’s Channel 3, Mr. Benmoussat discussed the fifth edition of the Algeria Entrepreneurship, Training & Digital Economy Exhibition (ACF), highlighting the scale of this event which has become a national reference. "What started as a regional event is today a manifestation with national and even international reach," he stated, specifying that project holders and experts from 35 wilayas participated.
The presence of Tunisian, German, and Italian delegations, in partnership with German-Algerian cooperation (GIZ), testifies to the growing attractiveness of the Algerian ecosystem. According to him, this success relies notably on the maturity of the local fabric and the key role of the Annaba Innovation Center, which currently hosts more than 50 startups. "This concentration creates exceptional energy and favors the emergence of increasingly structured events," he explained.
Very Encouraging International Feedback
The German partners, particularly involved in the agri-tech theme, expressed strong interest in local talent. "A German expert confided in me that he had never seen a government support its startups so much," reported Benmoussat, insisting on "the richness of Algerian human capital, especially among students and young entrepreneurs."
The themes addressed during the ACF (artificial intelligence, health, and agriculture) illustrate the strategic orientation towards high value-added sectors. "Agri-tech allows for increasing yield, saving water, and bringing more precision," he emphasized, recalling that these fields are part of the transition towards an innovative economy.
From Startup Label to Scale-up Label: A Structured Path
Created in 2020, the National Labeling Committee now awards four labels, including the very recent "Scale-up" label. "The startup is just one stage in a journey. When it reaches a certain maturity, it must evolve into a scale-up," explained Benmoussat. This new label, introduced in December 2025, recognizes companies capable of developing internationally and generating foreign currency.
The goal, according to him, is to prepare for the emergence of national champions and, eventually, unicorns. "The President of the Republic has oriented the economy toward knowledge, innovation, and know-how, as a complement to hydrocarbons," he recalled. For 2026, the Ministry aims to label at least fifteen Scale-ups.
Incentives, Data Sovereignty, and High Survival Rate
Benmoussat highlighted the numerous incentives granted to startups, including tax exemptions lasting up to six years, 100% digital procedures, free support, and facilitated access to funding. "Today, a project holder can create and develop their startup without spending a single dinar at the start," he assured.
The results are convincing, according to him, stating that "out of more than 1,100 startups labeled since 2020, only about ten have ceased activity."
"This represents a survival rate exceeding 95%," he indicated. Furthermore, the role of startups in governance and data sovereignty is considered strategic.
"We have startups developing their own artificial intelligence models and local Clouds to preserve sensitive data within Algeria," concluded Benmoussat.
