The Algerian government is actively pursuing a comprehensive national strategy aimed at sustainably mobilizing its competencies residing abroad and integrating them into the country’s development efforts. This commitment was formally reaffirmed by Sofiane Chaib, the Secretary of State in charge of the National Community Abroad, during a meeting in Algiers on Thursday. He underscored President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s dedication to strengthening the involvement of the diaspora in national development, stressing that the government is implementing integrated action plans to establish lasting and productive bridges between Algerian talents abroad and domestic institutions.
Mr. Chaib explained that this strategic approach is focused on reinforcing Algeria’s scientific, technological, and economic standing globally. The plan leverages several key mechanisms, notably promoting direct investment by diaspora members, facilitating technology transfer back to Algeria, and fostering specialized scientific partnerships involving established experts who reside outside the country’s borders. He specifically highlighted a recent dedicated day for the diaspora, held concurrently with the 4th edition of the African Startups Summit, which saw significant participation from Algerian researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals based abroad, underscoring the high level of interest and readiness within the community.
Sectoral Focus on Health and Research
The strategy includes a specialized focus on priority sectors, with the health sector being a key area of emphasis. Mr. Chaib mentioned a pivotal meeting held in October with the Minister of Health to specifically identify priority medical specialties where the diaspora’s expertise is most needed. He pointed out that Algeria possesses a valuable reservoir of locally trained talent, and successfully networking these professionals with diaspora experts represents a major lever for rapid development and modernization of the healthcare system.
The scientists present at the meeting further reinforced the narrative, emphasizing the critical need for structured collaboration. Professor Réda Souilamas, a world-renowned thoracic surgeon specializing in lung transplantation, advocated for the immediate creation of formalized training programs and robust support networks designed to benefit Algerian students and researchers at home. Additionally, Professor Abdenneb Ben Aissai, a prominent neurosurgeon, insisted on the profound importance of developing partnerships between local competencies and the diaspora, particularly in health and research. According to these experts, strengthening these exchanges with both national and international experts will effectively facilitate access to advanced training, successfully attract more specialists back to Algeria, and ultimately contribute to the vital transfer of knowledge and the development of advanced technologies within the country.
