Algeria officially inaugurated the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW 2025) with a high-profile ceremony led by Mr Noureddine Ouadah, Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-Enterprises. The ceremony gathered prestigious guests and took place on Tuesday November 18th under the high patronage of the Prime Minister, marking the beginning of a week dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven economic growth across the country.
A High-Level Launch Marked by Strong Institutional Presence
The opening ceremony brought together several members of the government and key institutional figures. Among the attendees were
- Kamel Baddari, Minister of the high education and Scientific Research.
- Mustafa Hidaoui, President of the Higher Youth Council
- Mohamed Mamoune El Kacimi El Hassani, Dean of the Great Mosque of Algiers
Their presence reflected the shared national commitment to strengthening Algeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through cross-sector collaboration.
A collaborative Vision for a Nationwide Entrepreneurial Movement
In his inaugural address, Minister Ouahdah highlighted the strategic importance of enhancing coordination between all actors within the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
He emphasized that the objective of this inclusive approach is to register the largest possible number of activities across all regions of the country, ensuring the involvement of citizens from every category : students, young professionals, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
University–Industry Synergy at the Core of Economic Transformation
The Minister also highlighted the crucial role of synergy between universities, training centers, and knowledge-generating institutions. He stressed that this synergy must align with the various mechanisms established by the state to promote entrepreneurship.
According to him, this harmony forms the foundation of a strong, knowledge-driven and diversified economy, capable of creating sustainable opportunities and fostering innovation-driven growth.
The opening event also included presentations of new support mechanisms from various national agencies dedicated to entrepreneurship promotion.
Minister Noureddine Ouadah Chairs the Seventh Edition of the Algeria Startup Challenge
In parallel with GEW 2025, Minister Noureddine Ouadah also presided over the opening of the seventh edition of the Algeria Startup Challenge in Algiers, held under the theme: “Innovation for a Sustainable Future.”
The event brought together young innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts to showcase new technological solutions aimed at sustainable development. The Minister highlighted the role of such competitions in stimulating creativity, supporting high-potential startups, and strengthening the country’s innovation capabilities.
ASC 2025: Strengthening Algeria’s Presence in the African Startup Landscape
During his interview on the international Algerian news channel AL24 News, Minister Ouadah discussed the ongoing preparations for the fourth edition of the African Startup Conference (ASC 2025). He stressed that this major continental event represents a strategic platform for promoting innovation, expanding Algeria’s visibility in the African technology landscape, and enhancing the outreach of Algerian startups across the continent.
He emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation frameworks, encouraging new partnership opportunities, and fostering investment channels that link Algerian entrepreneurs with African and international markets.
A Historic Milestone: First Startup Exit from the Algerian Startup Fund (ASF)
One of the most remarkable announcements of the event was the disclosure of the first-ever startup exit from the Algerian Startup Fund (ASF) since its establishment in 2020.
The said startup successfully raised 5 million USD from the local financial market, an unprecedented achievement that reflects the maturation of Algeria’s innovation ecosystem. This milestone is seen as a major leap forward for the national startup landscape and a strong signal of growing investor confidence in Algerian technology-based ventures.