Algeria has launched a national initiative to develop technology-driven solutions to address growing water scarcity, as authorities seek to strengthen resilience against climate-related pressures and resource constraints.
The programme, led by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises, calls on innovators, startups, researchers and entrepreneurs — including members of the Algerian diaspora — to propose solutions aimed at improving water management across the country.
Officials say the initiative is part of a broader push to build a domestic innovation ecosystem and accelerate the use of digital technologies in critical sectors.
The programme targets key areas such as desalination, smart irrigation, water reuse and energy efficiency, as well as the application of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in managing water resources.
Authorities are also seeking solutions to reduce water losses through leaks and inefficiencies, which remain a major challenge in many parts of the country.
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The move comes as Algeria faces increasing water stress due to its largely arid and semi-arid climate, where rainfall is limited and irregular, and groundwater resources are under pressure.
Policymakers say technological innovation could play a key role in improving efficiency, optimising distribution systems and supporting sustainable agriculture.
The initiative aligns with Algeria’s broader digital transformation strategy, which aims to integrate information and communication technologies across sectors to drive economic development and improve public service delivery.
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Experts say digital tools — including smart meters, remote sensing and predictive analytics — can significantly enhance water resource management.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, technologies such as drone-based monitoring systems and Earth observation platforms can improve early warning capabilities and help mitigate the impact of climate-related risks.
Smart metering systems, for instance, allow real-time monitoring of water usage, helping utilities detect leaks, manage demand and improve billing efficiency.
However, analysts caution that technology alone will not fully resolve Algeria’s water challenges.
Structural inefficiencies in water management systems, as well as infrastructure gaps, continue to limit the effectiveness of supply networks.
Abdesselam Malek noted that significant volumes of water are lost due to poor storage and distribution systems, particularly in northern regions where seasonal flows are not effectively captured.
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“In our country, especially in the South, our oases have endured thanks to resilience in the face of highly irregular rainfall,” he said, pointing to traditional water management practices that have helped communities adapt to scarcity.
He added that large quantities of water in northern regions flow rapidly into the sea due to inadequate retention infrastructure, representing a missed opportunity for conservation.
The government’s initiative aims to bridge such gaps by encouraging collaboration between public institutions, private sector actors and research organisations.
Pilot projects developed under the programme are expected to test new technologies and approaches, with the potential for scaling up successful solutions nationwide.
Analysts say the initiative reflects a growing recognition among African governments of the need to leverage innovation to address climate-related challenges.
Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly urgent issue across the continent, driven by population growth, urbanisation and changing weather patterns.
For Algeria, the success of the programme will depend on effective implementation, sustained investment and the ability to integrate new technologies into existing systems.
If successful, officials say the initiative could not only improve water security but also support the growth of a local technology sector focused on solving environmental challenges.
