Algeria's electronic payments see exceptional growth in first half of 2026
The value of electronic payment transactions in Algeria reached nearly 346 billion dinars in the first half of 2026, an 867% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is attributed to the expanded use of electronic payments for "Aadl 3" housing program installments, Hajj pilgrimage fees, and Eid al-Adha sheep purchases. Online payment operations exceeded 15.4 million transactions, a 52% rise from 2025. The administrative services sector saw a 155% increase in activity, now accounting for 19% of online transactions, while the telecommunications sector's share decreased to 46% from 92% in 2020. The insurance sector experienced a 1,307% surge in transactions, from approximately 40,000 to 567,000, driven by new regulations prohibiting cash payments in this sector. Transactions via electronic payment terminals TPEs surpassed 8 million, an 81% increase, with a total value over 82 billion dinars, up 106%. The volume of proximity payment transactions in the first half of 2026 is comparable to the total transactions from 2016 to 2023, indicating a significant shift in cardholder behavior and growing confidence in electronic payments. Mobile payment transactions via QR Code increased by 32% to 32 billion dinars, and peer-to-peer transfers rose by 32% to 397 billion dinars. Interbank mobile payments via QR Code saw a 1,200% increase, and bank transfers grew by 490% due to the "DZ Mob Pay" service. Over 1,000 merchants are now integrated into the online payment platform
