Algeria's Minister of Finance presented a quantified assessment of the digital transformation of the country's payment system to the Council of the Nation on Thursday. The minister provided specific figures on the nationwide progress of electronic payment infrastructure, noting both achievements and ongoing challenges. The current number of electronic payment terminals (TPE) installed at merchants' locations stands at 104,000 units, according to the Finance Minister's report. This figure shows the substantial physical infrastructure now in place to support digital transactions across the country.
Key Statistics on Growth
Significant advancements have been made in the adoption and availability of electronic payment methods. Algeria had 22 million payment cards in circulation as of the end of March 2026. This substantial number reflects a growing acceptance and integration of digital financial tools among the populace. Of these, a dominant 18 million cards were issued by Algérie Poste, indicating the critical role of the national postal service in driving financial inclusion and electronic payment adoption. The network of automated teller machines (ATMs) also saw considerable expansion, reaching 4,713 devices by the same date. These ATMs recorded a high volume of activity, with 235 million transactions processed, demonstrating their vital function in the daily financial lives of Algerians. More than 10 million payment operations were conducted on electronic payment terminals by the end of 2025. The cumulative value of payments made via these terminals approached 55 billion dinars by the close of 2025, signaling a strong increase in the financial volume handled through digital channels.
Government Initiatives and Future Plans
To steer this digital evolution, La Commission nationale des moyens de paiement électronique was established in 2024, signaling a structured approach to developing and overseeing digital payment solutions. This commission plays a key role in coordinating efforts and setting strategic directions for the expansion of electronic payment methods across Algeria. In a further move to enhance the digital financial landscape, authorities indicated that a mechanism for settling debts using these electronic payment methods is scheduled to become active before the end of the current year. This initiative aims to streamline financial transactions for economic operators and enhance the overall efficiency of the electronic payment system. The Minister's announcement emphasized the government's commitment to creating a more strong and accessible digital payment ecosystem.
The Awareness Hurdle
Despite significant progress in Algeria's electronic payment infrastructure, including 22 million cards in circulation, nearly 5,000 automated teller machines, and over 104,000 terminals at merchant locations, the task of raising public awareness remains a primary challenge. The Minister's report explicitly stated that while the advancement is real, the work of raising awareness is still extensive. The expansion of the physical infrastructure has established a foundational network for digital transactions, making them physically accessible to a broad segment of the population. However, officials and stakeholders acknowledge that widespread adoption hinges on educating the public and businesses about the benefits, security, and practical usage of these systems. This ongoing effort aims to bridge the gap between available technology and its practical application by the general population and traders across the country, ensuring that the infrastructure is not only present but also actively utilized.
Call for Unified Efforts
Algeria’s Minister of Finance announced the establishment of a specific mechanism designed to facilitate the settlement of debts for economic operators. This new initiative aims to streamline financial transactions and enhance the efficiency of electronic payment systems within the country. The mechanism for settling debts would be activated before the end of the current year, providing a concrete timeline for its implementation. The minister’s statement shows a commitment to improving the digital financial landscape and fostering greater trust and utility in electronic payment solutions among businesses. This concerted effort is expected to further integrate digital payments into the national economy, supporting economic growth and transparency.