Algeria Appointed to the African Artificial Intelligence Council
Algeria joins African AI Council - Minister appointed to guide continental artificial intelligence policy.
In Algiers, January 2026 – Algeria has officially joined the African Artificial Intelligence Council following the appointment of Sid Ali Zerrouki, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, as a member of the Council. The appointment was announced following the Council’s first installation meeting, held via videoconference and bringing together ministers and experts from across the African continent. (APS)
The meeting marked the first installation session of the Council, which was established under the Smart Africa Alliance framework. Discussions focused on presenting and examining the roadmap for the Council’s work and the mechanisms for implementing a continental approach to artificial intelligence. (Radio Algerie)
Appointment of Algeria and Its Significance
Sid Ali Zerrouki was appointed as Algeria’s representative to the African Artificial Intelligence Council, which is composed of 15 members selected from 226 nominees, including 54 ministers. The selection was carried out by a tripartite committee comprising the International Telecommunication Union, the African Union, and the Smart Africa Alliance. (Radio Algerie)
During the first installation meeting, Council members reviewed the implementation roadmap, discussed the annual work schedule, and considered the establishment of specialized technical working groups dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence development across Africa. (Radio Algerie)
During the session, Zerrouki reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to contributing to the development of artificial intelligence governance policies and regulatory frameworks, while strengthening cooperation with African partner countries in innovation, capacity building, and human skills development. (Radio Algerie)
Algeria’s appointment places the country among the African states participating in continental artificial intelligence initiatives and strategy.
About the African Artificial Intelligence Council
The African Artificial Intelligence Council is a high-level continental advisory body established under the Smart Africa Alliance to provide strategic guidance and actionable recommendations on artificial intelligence development across Africa. Its mission is to support African countries in harnessing artificial intelligence as a driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and inclusive development, while safeguarding digital sovereignty and promoting responsible use.
According to Smart Africa, the Council is structured around key thematic areas, including infrastructure, data, market development, talent, investment, and governance. It aims to position Africa as an active contributor to the global artificial intelligence landscape and to promote artificial intelligence solutions that respond to African realities and development priorities. (Smart Africa)