🇩🇿AlgeriaNorth Africa
Algeria's Industrial Technologies Research Center now offers certified drone pilot training
via Algérie3602 min read
The Industrial Technologies Research Center CRTI is now officially authorized to provide certified training for remote drone pilots in Algeria. This announcement was made by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari. The CRTI's subsidiary, EPE CRTI SKY-TEC ENGINEERING SPA, received official accreditation for Category 1 and 2 training. The Minister stated that this achievement is the result of continuous efforts and collaboration with the National Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, aligning with the country's strategy to support excellence, encourage innovation, and advance local skills in advanced technological sectors. This accreditation allows the center to design and offer specialized training programs for businesses, public organizations, and individuals seeking professional expertise in the drone sector. The Minister described this as a "qualitative step" to strengthen Algeria's technological autonomy and support ongoing digital transformations. This new approval is part of Algeria's broader investment strategy in advanced technologies. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the Ministry launched the first Master's degree in drone control and jamming systems at USTHB in Bab-Ezzouar. This program trains 30 students in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and defense electronics, with graduates guaranteed recruitment within CRTI and its affiliated structures. Minister Kamel Baddari views these initiatives as contributing to the building of a "
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Must ReadAlgerian liquefied natural gas LNG exports saw a significant increase in May 2026, reaching 1.04 million tonnes. This represents a 48.5% rise compared to April, marking the highest volume in seven months. This performance follows a period of lower exports at the beginning of the year. According to data from Attaqa, this monthly volume is the highest since October 2025, when exports peaked at 1.09 million tonnes. This surge occurs amidst global energy market shifts, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupting Qatari and Emirati LNG transit via the Strait of Hormuz. Algeria has leveraged its strategic geographical position and production capabilities, located outside turbulent zones, to become a reliable alternative. Year-on-year, May 2026 exports show an 8.3% increase compared to the same month last year 0.96 million tonnes. However, the cumulative total for the first five months of 2026 is slightly down by 5%, at 3.78 million tonnes, compared to 3.97 million tonnes during the same period in 2025. This overall decrease is offset by a 4.1% increase in natural gas production in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 29 billion cubic meters. France remains the top importer of Algerian LNG for the third consecutive month, receiving 234,000 tonnes, despite a 9.3% year-on-year decline. Turkey follows closely with 203,000 tonnes, a 5.6% decrease from May 2025. A notable development in May is Spain's strong return as a major buyer. After a near-total halt in imports since No
Must ReadOn June 4, the Algerian Minister of State for Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, officially launched the construction of the Algerian section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline TSGP in Adrar. This event marks a significant step for the project, which aims to transport Nigerian natural gas through Niger to Algeria, for eventual export to Europe and other markets. The ceremony was attended by Akiberki Ekpo, Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum and Gas Resources, and Hamadou Tinne, Minister of Petroleum of the Republic of Niger, along with the CEO of Sonatrach, Nour Eddine Daoudi, and representatives from the national oil companies of the three countries. The TSGP, spanning over 4,000 km, is designed to have a transport capacity of 20 to 30 billion cubic meters per year and is part of the NEPAD framework, aiming to strengthen regional economic integration. The launch followed a trilateral ministerial meeting in Algiers on June 3, where the final feasibility report for the project, updated by the international firm Penspen, was validated. The three countries agreed to initiate operational procedures, continue coordination among national companies, and commence work on the Algerian section. In addition, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received the Nigerian and Nigerien ministers and their delegations. During the meeting, President Tebboune expressed significant interest in the project, highlighting its importance for industrialization and job creation across Algeria, Niger, a
A 4.9 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the wilaya of Batna on Thursday at 00:16, with its epicenter located 2 kilometers southeast of Aïn Djasser, according to the Research Center in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics CRAAG. This follows a 3.8 magnitude tremor in the same region on Wednesday at 10:44, with an epicenter 6 kilometers southwest of Aïn Djasser. The CRAAG has addressed public concerns regarding a recent series of earthquakes across Algeria, including during the Eid Al-Adha holidays, stating that this seismic activity is normal. The center noted moderate seismic activity beginning on the first day of Eid, including a 3.0 magnitude tremor in Mihoub wilaya of Médéa and a 3.4 magnitude tremor in Timgad wilaya of Batna. A more significant event, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake, occurred at sea 50 kilometers northwest of Ghazaouet wilaya of Tlemcen, and a 3.3 magnitude tremor was felt north of Aokas wilaya of Béjaïa. The CRAAG attributes this activity to Algeria's geological position on the edge of the African tectonic plate, which converges with the Eurasian plate at approximately 5 mm per year, causing stress release through tremors. The center also highlighted that around 80 tremors are recorded monthly by the national surveillance network, with nearly 90% being imperceptible to the public. The CRAAG reassures that these events are part of the region's natural geological activity and pose no imminent danger, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and modernizin
AYRADE, an Algerian sovereign cloud operator, is set to list 20% of its capital on the Algiers Stock Exchange between June 1 and June 30, 2026. Founded 17 years ago by Mohamed Lamine Belbachir, the company aims to provide local digital infrastructure, reducing Algeria's reliance on foreign cloud providers. AYRADE has grown significantly, with its revenue more than doubling in one year, 3,700 active cloud clients, and two operational data centers in Algeria. The company projects a 9.45% return on its business plan horizon. Mohamed Lamine Belbachir, founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, emphasized that AYRADE's strategic ambition is built on three pillars: local data hosting for regulated operators and administrations, local control of critical infrastructure as an alternative to foreign actors, and fostering an ecosystem of Algerian expertise in cloud, AI, and sovereign cybersecurity. AYRADE covers the entire digital services value chain, including sovereign cloud and hosting, data centers, sovereign cybersecurity with its Security Operations Center SOC and proprietary product ASA, and research and innovation, including AI integration in cyber detection. The company has over 10,000 clients, with 3,700 active in the cloud segment, focusing on sectors with critical data such as banking, insurance, telecommunications, energy, and public administration. AYRADE's revenue increased from 192 million dinars in 2024 to 416 million in 2025, a 117% growth. The company projects revenue