Algeria’s startup ecosystem has gained a new layer of institutional support as the École Supérieure Algérienne des Affaires (ESAA), a leading business school, signed two strategic cooperation agreements. The partnerships with the National Agency for Support and Development of Entrepreneurship (NASDA) and the public accelerator Algeria Venture are designed to build stronger pathways for students and high-potential startups.
Quick Facts
- Two major agreements signed to support Algerian startups.
- New on-campus entrepreneurship center and one-stop-shop for students.
- Launch of an executive training program for high-growth startups.
Bridging Academia and Entrepreneurship
The first agreement, signed with NASDA, focuses on embedding an entrepreneurial culture within the academic environment. Linda Benhadja Boutakrabt, Director General of ESAA, explained that the partnership will establish a dedicated entrepreneurship development center on campus. This center will act as a hub for mentoring, training, and supporting students and graduates in turning their innovative ideas into viable businesses.
A key feature of this collaboration is the creation of a unified entrepreneurship one-stop-shop within the school. This initiative aims to streamline administrative processes, making it easier for aspiring founders to navigate the legal and procedural steps of launching their companies.
Bilal Achacha, Director General of NASDA, stated that the cooperation is part of building an integrated national system for entrepreneurship by strengthening the link between the university and its economic surroundings.
An Executive Program for High-Growth Startups
The second agreement with Algeria Venture targets the next stage of the startup journey: scaling. This partnership introduces the “Executive Venture Program,” a specialized training course for startups identified as having high growth potential. The program is structured to enhance the strategic capabilities of these companies and support their expansion into both national and international markets.
Lyes Abdoun, Director General of Algeria Venture, described the program, also known as “ESAAVENTURE,” as an intensive experience designed to develop leadership and strategic skills over eight sessions in one month. “The program aims to empower Algerian startups, especially innovative ones, to benefit from practical training that enhances their competitiveness and supports their chances of success and expansion,” Abdoun noted.
A Government Push for an Integrated Ecosystem
The agreements were signed during the “Entrepreneurship and Scientific Innovation” forum, under the supervision of government ministers. Nourreddine Wadhah, Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-enterprises, highlighted how the two initiatives complement each other to support the national economy. He emphasized that this dynamic will encourage investment and reduce reliance on imports by empowering youth to build innovative companies.
The minister affirmed his department’s commitment to supporting innovative initiatives as startups play an increasingly vital role in the national economic system.
About ESAA Business School
The École Supérieure Algérienne des Affaires (ESAA) is a public institution of higher education created in 2004 through an international agreement between Algeria and France. It is a prominent business school in Algeria, offering a range of management programs and executive education.
About NASDA
The National Agency for Support and Development of Entrepreneurship (NASDA) is an Algerian government body responsible for implementing policies and programs aimed at promoting and supporting entrepreneurship and SME development across the country.
About Algeria Venture
Algeria Venture is a state-backed public startup accelerator. Its mission is to identify, support, and finance innovative Algerian startups, helping them scale and compete on a national and international level.
Source: APS
