Algeria's Prime Minister, Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro-Enterprises officially launched Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), held from 17 to 23 November 2025. The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 in the Conference Hall of the Great Mosque of Algiers. The event brought together a wide spectrum of actors from the national entrepreneurial ecosystem: ministries, support agencies, universities, start-ups, micro-enterprises, and international partners.
This year’s theme - “Together We Build” - highlights the power of cross-sector collaboration to create an inclusive, resilient, and innovation-driven economy. The objective is clear: help entrepreneurs transform ideas into thriving ventures that add real value to the national economy.
A dynamic and purposeful opening day
The first day unfolded with momentum and intention, setting an inspiring tone for the week ahead. The program featured:
- Visionary opening remarks from ministers outlining Algeria’s ambitions in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Presentations of new support programs designed to empower start-ups and micro-enterprises with improved access to tools, information, and opportunities.
- Announcements of key public–private initiatives, reinforcing the collective commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-driven economy.
- The opening of an interactive networking zone, offering entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions a vibrant space to meet, collaborate, and spark new partnerships.
Key speeches
Cheikh Mohamed Mamoune El Kacimi El Hassani – Dean of the Great Mosque opened the ceremony by emphasizing the symbolism of hosting GEW in the Great Mosque, in partnership with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro-Enterprises.
He reminded the audience that “the mind is the true capital” and celebrated Algeria’s longstanding culture of initiative.
Drawing on Islamic tradition, he highlighted the ethical foundations of entrepreneurship, where the honest merchant serves the community before serving personal gain: “entrepreneurship of values before entrepreneurship of money.”
He concluded by affirming that Algeria is entering a new era - one that moves beyond depletable resources toward sustainable, knowledge-based development.
Mr. Minister Noureddine Ouadah - Minister of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro-Enterprises- stressed the importance of stronger integration between universities, training centers, and the knowledge economy. He affirmed that Algeria has placed its trust in its youth to drive the transition from a rent-based system to a knowledge-based economy. He concluded with ambition: Algeria aims to rank first globally in GEW participation in 2025.
Mr. Minister Kamel Baddari - Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research- celebrated the 17th edition of GEW, reaffirming that “New Algeria” places innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of national development. He reiterated the 2029 national objective of reaching 20,000 start-ups, emphasizing the university’s expanded role as an open institution serving both citizens and society.
Ms. Soumeya Rachedi - Board Member & Interim Managing Director, GEN Algeria- underscored GEW as a strategic pillar of Algeria’s entrepreneurial transformation, marking 15 years of nationwide mobilization, innovation, and ecosystem growth. She highlighted Algeria’s emergence as one of the most dynamic and high-performing GEW communities in the world, and emphasized that this success is rooted in strong collaboration between public institutions, civil society, and ecosystem actors. She affirmed that this alignment positions Algeria as a rising global player in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Bilal Achacha - Director General, NASDA presented NASDA’s flagship programs, including:
- The Subcontracting and Economic Integration Program
The Small Business Hub, offering fast and streamlined registration
He also highlighted a major localization initiative aimed at replacing imported goods with local production.
NASDA now contributing substantially to the national diversification effort and benefiting from new university-level training institutes.
Ms. Souad Bendjemil - Director General, ANGEM highlighted the crucial role of microcredit in fostering entrepreneurship. She celebrated ANGEM’s exceptional participation in GEW — first nationally and fourth globally last year — and outlined an ambitious action plan for Algeria to reach first place worldwide.
Target indicators include:
- 5,000 activities
- 100,000 participants
- 547 local agencies activated nationwide
She also introduced the agency’s latest innovation: a remote financing map enabling beneficiaries to track financing digitally.
Mr. Anis Rahabi Director General, Algerian Start-up Fund (ASF) outlined the Fund’s new strategic vision, Identity 3.0, and presented the upcoming program. He also announced ASF’s first exit, marking an important milestone in Algeria’s start-up financing landscape.
Conclusion
The opening ceremony of the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025 showcased a unified national commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and driving Algeria toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy. Through collaboration between ministries, support agencies, universities, and private-sector partners, Algeria continues to accelerate its entrepreneurial momentum. This year’s edition - grounded in the theme “Together, we build” - reinforces Algeria’s position as a rising global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.