The Bank of Algeria established a National Payment Committee, an advisory body created to lead the plan for generalizing electronic and written payment methods across Algeria. This strategic move aims to modernize the country's financial transactions. The central bank issued Regulation No. 26-01 on May 31, 2026, which details the committee's organization and operating procedures, specifically concerning the organization of the National Payment Committee and its operating procedures. The new committee operates within the Bank of Algeria and is chaired by the Governor of the Bank of Algeria or one of the Governor's deputies.
Committee's Role and Strategy
The National Payment Committee's responsibilities encompass the preparation of Algeria's national strategy for advancing written payment methods. The committee is tasked with overseeing the strategy's execution, assessing its outcomes, and recommending measures to enhance the national payment system. Among its core tasks, the committee will prepare the national strategy for developing written payment methods, monitor its implementation, evaluate results, and propose measures to develop the national payment system. It is also authorized to compile and release an annual report detailing the status of payment methods within Algeria. The law specifically authorizes the committee to prepare and publish an annual report on the status of payment methods in Algeria. This annual report will be developed and published in adherence to Article 163 of the Monetary and Banking Law. The committee will periodically inform public authorities regarding statistics related to the proliferation and utilization of written payment methods across the country. Public authorities will be periodically informed of statistics related to the spread and use of written payment methods.
Composition and Structure
The National Payment Committee includes representatives from several government ministries, specifically the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Commerce, Post and Telecommunications, Digitalization, Knowledge Economy, and Emerging Enterprises and Small Institutions. These representatives ensure a broad governmental perspective on payment system development. Additionally, two representatives from the Bank of Algeria are members, alongside the Director General of Algérie Poste.
Further committee members encompass representatives from the Directorate General of Internal Security, the National Gendarmerie Command, the National Security Directorate General, the Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions, the interbank body for automated clearing, and the interbank automated clearing center. Two experts are also appointed to the committee based on their competence and experience in payment methods, bringing specialized knowledge to the discussions. The committee holds the authority to establish specialized working groups and to consult with external experts as needed, allowing for flexible and informed decision-making.
Operational Framework
The new regulation implements provisions of Monetary and Banking Law No. 23-09. This regulation is in implementation of the provisions of Monetary and Banking Law No. 23-09, providing a clear legal basis for the committee's existence and functions. It specifically draws on Articles 163, 164, and 165 of the Monetary and Banking Law for its framework. A permanent secretariat has been established at the Bank of Algeria to support the National Payment Committee's operations. This secretariat is responsible for preparing files for committee meetings, conducting preliminary studies, and facilitating information exchange. It also disseminates decisions and monitors the implementation of strategic directives, playing a key role in the committee's day-to-day functioning.
The permanent secretariat prepares the initial draft of the committee's annual report, working under the supervision of three members appointed by the committee's presidency. Members of the permanent secretariat are bound by a duty of confidentiality regarding their work, ensuring the security and integrity of sensitive information. Committee members are required to attend meetings in person, without the option of delegating their representation to another individual, emphasizing direct participation and accountability.
Regulatory Context
The regulation issued by the Bank of Algeria provides the first detailed framework for the National Payment Committee. This framework specifically defines the committee's composition, outlining its members and their roles. Additionally, it establishes the operating mechanisms by which the committee will function to achieve its objectives, marking a significant step towards a more modernized payment landscape in Algeria.