Algeria’s Ministry of the Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-Enterprises has seen three of its leaders assume significant roles across the government following President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s latest cabinet reshuffle. This progression highlights the increasing prominence of the startup ecosystem in shaping the nation’s broader political and economic agenda.
Noureddine Ouadah, previously the Director of Startups & Incubators under the ministry, has been appointed as its new minister. With a PhD in Robotics from LAAS-CNRS in Toulouse, Ouadah is tasked with building on the ministry’s foundation to further advance Algeria’s startup ecosystem. He succeeds Yacine Mahdi Oualid, the country’s first startup minister, who has now been appointed Minister of Vocational Training and Education.
Sid Ali Zerrouki, another figure from the ecosystem, has also transitioned to a high-profile role as Minister of Post and Telecommunications. Prior to his appointment, Zerrouki served as the Group Managing Director of Algeria Venture, the nation’s flagship state-backed startup accelerator.
These appointments signify how the startup ministry, established in 2020 to nurture the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, has become a critical talent pipeline for Algeria’s government.
The ministry’s influence is rooted in its pivotal role in fostering Algeria’s transition towards a diversified knowledge-based economy. Under Oualid’s leadership, the ministry implemented several landmark initiatives, including the creation of the Algerian Startup Fund (ASF), the establishment of a startup labeling framework, and the launch of Algeria Venture. These efforts aimed to cultivate a conducive environment for innovation by providing fiscal incentives, improving access to capital, and supporting intellectual property development.
Oualid, who became Africa’s youngest minister at 26, also promoted global partnerships to expose local entrepreneurs to international markets and expertise. These initiatives positioned Algeria as an emerging player in the regional tech ecosystem.
While progress has been made, structural challenges persist. Limited access to online payment systems, bureaucratic hurdles, and insufficient infrastructure continue to impede scalability for startups. Addressing these barriers will be a key focus for Ouadah’s tenure.
The elevation of three successive leaders from the startup ministry underscores the growing political weight of Algeria’s entrepreneurial sector. It reflects not only the ministry’s success in nurturing talent but also the strategic importance of startups in shaping Algeria’s economic future.
As Algeria seeks to reduce its reliance on hydrocarbons, the ministry’s work has become central to the government’s diversification strategy. Startups labeled under the national framework now number over 750, representing a range of industries including technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. Expanding this momentum beyond major cities like Algiers, Oran, and Constantine remains a critical challenge.
With the startup ministry’s influence now extending across multiple government portfolios, its role in shaping Algeria’s socio-economic trajectory is undeniable. As Ouadah takes the helm, his leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that the entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to thrive and contribute to the nation’s long-term growth.
By embedding startup leaders into key government positions, Algeria is not only recognizing the value of innovation but also demonstrating its commitment to building a modern, diversified economy capable of competing on the global stage.