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Can Algeria break North Africa’s fintech order and finally ditch cash?

An exhibitor at the Intra-Africa Trade Fair 2025 in Algeria Photo: Afreximbank Media
An exhibitor at the Intra-Africa Trade Fair 2025 in Algeria Photo: Afreximbank Media

Kingsley Kobo

Kingsley Kobo is an expert on Francophone West and Central Africa, with over 15 years' experience covering business, finance, politics, tech, and more across both regions.
  • Electronic payments jumped 46% to $7bn in 2025
  • Cash still accounts for more than 60% of daily transactions

 

ALGIERS, ALGERIA – Algeria is mounting an ambitious challenge to North Africa’s established fintech leaders, betting that a combination of digital payments reforms, expanding internet access, and a young technology-savvy population can help transform one of Africa’s most cash-dependent economies.

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