Algeria's electronic payment sector experienced an exceptional surge in the first half of 2026, with the total value of operations increasing by 867% annually to reach 346 billion dinars. This significant growth, which saw the value more than double and increase over 8 times from the previous period, notes a substantial shift towards digital transactions within the country. GIE Monétique attributed this remarkable expansion to the integration of electronic payment methods for several key services. These services included 'Adl 3' housing installments, Hajj fees, and the purchase of Eid sacrifices, according to GIE Monétique.
Growth Drivers and Sector Shifts
The administrative services sector now accounts for 19% of all online payment activity in Algeria, demonstrating a significant shift in how public services are accessed and paid for digitally. This shift coincides with a decrease in the telecommunications sector's share of online payment activity, which has fallen to 46% in the first half of 2026, down from 92% in 2020. The insurance sector experienced a significant increase in electronic transactions, rising from 40,000 operations in the first six months of 2025 to 567,000 operations during the same period in 2026. This substantial growth shows a broader adoption of digital payment solutions across various industries.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) financial transactions between customers of the same bank also saw considerable growth, increasing by 32%. The value of these P2P transactions reached 397 billion dinars, establishing it as the second largest e-payment activity by value, following only ATM withdrawals. This indicates a growing preference for direct digital transfers between individuals.
Transaction Volume and Terminals
Transactions made via electronic payment terminals (TPE) surpassed 8 million during the first six months of 2026. This volume represents an 81% increase compared to the previous year, with the total value of these transactions exceeding 82 billion dinars. A significant portion of this activity occurred in May, when 1.64 million TPE payment operations were recorded. This figure marked a record for the month, notably influenced by the purchase of Eid al-Adha sacrifices. The cumulative number of transactions recorded through TPE devices in the first half of 2026 is nearly equivalent to the total volume of transactions processed from 2016 to 2023, showcasing the accelerating pace of TPE adoption.
ATM and Card Landscape
Over 131 million accepted withdrawal operations were conducted via ATMs in Algeria during the first half of 2026. This figure represents a 16% increase compared to the same period last year. The value of these ATM withdrawal operations reached 2,448 billion dinars, equivalent to 18 billion dollars, marking a 15% rise. These transactions were facilitated across 4,919 devices nationwide, noting the widespread availability and use of ATM services. The total number of payment cards in circulation across Algeria reached 23,082,475, a 12% increase compared to the end of June 2025. Of these, 4,487,593 are bank cards, while 18,594,882 are postal cards, indicating a diverse and expanding card-holding population.
Merchant Adoption and Future Outlook
The number of online merchants registered on the payment platform reached 1,004 by the end of June 2026. This figure indicates continued expansion in the adoption of electronic payment solutions among businesses in Algeria, contributing to the overall surge in digital transactions. The increasing number of merchants offering online payment options further supports the growth trajectory of the electronic payment sector, facilitating greater convenience and accessibility for consumers.