The launch of Algeria’s first hackathon dedicated entirely to financial innovation marks a major step forward in the country’s efforts to support entrepreneurship and digital transformation. Held as part of the TAM-WIL 2025 trade show, the hackathon was announced on Wednesday at the Higher School of Hospitality and Catering (ESHRA) in Algiers. It brought together over 100 young developers, students and project leaders to address real-world financial market challenges.
Organized by the Algerian Foundation for Youth and Entrepreneurship Support (AFYE) in partnership with the National Agency for the Promotion and Development of Technology Parks (ANPT), the hackathon encouraged participants to propose new financial products, solutions and services that can meet the needs of both investors and businesses. The five key areas of focus are financial inclusion, e-payment, green finance, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. These themes reflect national priorities around digital finance and inclusive economic development.
The hackathon stands out not just for its themes but also for its intention to offer tangible outcomes. Five winners will be selected and supported through incubation, mentorship and access to networking opportunities via ANPT. This means ideas generated during the event won’t end when the laptops close. Instead, they will be supported to scale and reach the market. The hackathon is also complemented by a series of workshops designed to build technical and entrepreneurial skills among participants, reinforcing the ecosystem that young innovators need to thrive.
The hackathon took place within the broader framework of TAM-WIL 2025, a national trade fair dedicated to investment and financial services. Also hosted at ESHRA, the event drew more than 40 exhibitors from across Algeria’s banking, insurance and investment support sectors. The three-day fair opened on Tuesday and welcomed more than 1,600 registered visitors, including aspiring entrepreneurs eager to explore financing and insurance options available to them.
AFYE’s Chairman, Walid Fenni, stated that the primary aim of TAM-WIL 2025 is to break down the barriers that often prevent great business ideas from becoming viable companies. By connecting project owners with financial and technical support providers, the fair seeks to streamline the path to market for young entrepreneurs. Fenni noted that recommendations arising from the event will be formally submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the National People’s Assembly’s Economic Affairs Committee to inform ongoing reforms, particularly in digital transformation and financial sector modernization.
The presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, directors of major banks and insurance companies and members of both parliamentary chambers underscored the event’s national importance. Their engagement signals growing recognition from the government and financial institutions that entrepreneurship is not only a pathway to employment but also a key lever for economic growth and resilience.
The curator of TAM-WIL 2025, Mohamed Ali Kouadri, emphasized that the event also supports broader government objectives to modernize the banking and insurance sectors. He highlighted ongoing work to address issues such as protecting banking data, updating outdated financial tools and making project financing more accessible. These steps are essential for creating a more agile and responsive financial environment, especially for startups and SMEs.
AFYE’s Director General, Mohamed Oussama Babou, confirmed the foundation’s intention to scale the initiative in future editions. Beyond annual trade fairs, AFYE plans to launch a national forum focused on boosting industrial integration and compliance, alongside efforts to stimulate local production. This broader agenda suggests that TAM-WIL and its hackathon are just the beginning of a more sustained push to modernize Algeria’s entrepreneurship landscape.
In addition to the hackathon and exhibitions, TAM-WIL 2025 included thematic workshops led by experts from across the financial ecosystem. These sessions provided insight into available support mechanisms for both early-stage and growth-stage startups. Presentations from heads of Algerian financial and insurance institutions also showcased practical steps that project promoters can take to secure funding and navigate regulatory requirements.
One example of institutional support came from Yazid Benmouhoub, Managing Director of the Société de gestion de la Bourse des valeurs (SGBV). He shared that the Algerian stock exchange is now open to supporting startups, having simplified its listing conditions. This has already enabled the first startup to go public, a major milestone that signals growing alignment between capital markets and innovation.
Together, the hackathon and TAM-WIL 2025 provide a timely and practical platform for young Algerians to engage with the country’s financial sector in a meaningful way. Whether through pitching fintech solutions or exploring funding pathways, participants are being given more than just exposure, they are being offered a seat at the table in shaping the future of Algeria’s economy.
By combining technical challenge with strategic engagement, this initiative sets a precedent for how public-private collaboration can fuel entrepreneurial ecosystems. It’s an approach that not only supports today’s innovators but also lays the foundation for a more connected, inclusive and digitally enabled financial future in Algeria.
