Algeria develops its first microelectronic chip for national data security

This innovation aims to replace a portion of imported chips currently used in Chifa cards and payment terminals, enhancing data security by preventing foreign manufacturers from accessing cardholder information. The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari, inaugurated the production site, highlighting this as a crucial step towards mastering integrated circuits for secure digitalization. The CDTA has partnered with the Interbank Automation Company SATIM to integrate these chips into the national payment system and with the National Complex ENIE to deploy them across various sectors including telecommunications, automotive, health, security, and home appliances.

While global manufacturers produce chips at 2 or 3 nanometers, the CDTA explains that the 65 nm technology remains widely used in automotive, medical equipment, and industrial systems. The center also noted its technical capability to produce chips at 13 nanometers, but production costs led to deferring this option. The Baba Hassen site also features an incubator for 25 advanced technology startups, working on projects such as fire detectors and mud detection systems for dams.

The CDTA reports that about ten countries have expressed interest in manufacturing these chips based on the designs from Bab