Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), paid an official visit to Algeria from September 2 to 5, 2025, marking a major step forward in the process of strengthening cooperation between Algeria and the United Nations specialized agency. He met the Acting Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb, and other ministers and was able to see firsthand how much progress the country has made in terms of innovation and creativity.
The following ministers took part in the high-level meetings, which reflected a shared desire to deepen cooperation:
- Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister for Foreign Affairs, the National Community Abroad and African Affairs;
- Kamel Baddari, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research;
- Zouhir Ballalou, Minister of Culture and the Arts;
- Noureddine Ouadah, Minister of the Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises.
A partnership for innovation
In the course of his meetings, Mr. Tang learned more about the country’s national policy on innovation and creativity. Algerian officials outlined initiatives to encourage research, make practical use of the results of scientific work, support start-ups and foster a culture of innovation, reflecting the commitment of Algeria to developing an innovative and competitive ecosystem.
Mr. Tang was apprised of the ambitious policies rolled out in Algeria to bolster scientific research, encourage innovative entrepreneurship and develop technological infrastructure. Initiatives include the creation of technology hubs, support for start-ups, and training and collaboration programs between universities and businesses. The Government is also investing in the digitization of public services and the promotion of high value-added sectors, with the aim of creating a more dynamic, resilient and forward-looking economy.
Mr. Tang assured the Algerian Government that WIPO stood ready to assist it and to support the country’s efforts to build a knowledge-based economy and diversify its sources of growth.
In that regard, he emphasized the importance of the national intellectual property (IP) strategy project that is now under way. As a country transitions to a knowledge-based economy, he said, such a strategy helps to exploit the IP system more effectively, extract tangible benefits from the results of research and attract foreign investment.
Promoting local products
Mr. Tang met people behind WIPO-backed projects in Algeria, including those relating to Chechar honey, Babar and Ghardaïa carpets, and Togla Deglet Nour dates. Those products are the fruit of traditional ancestral know-how. Moreover, their reputation and authenticity are intimately connected to the specific geographical territories in which they are produced. Using IP tools such as collective marks and geographical indications strategically helps producers to increase the value of their products and ensure their authenticity, protect against imitations, and preserve cultural heritage. This shows that IP is not an abstract concept but can really help to improve people’s lives and boost local development. WIPO also assists producers through individually tailored marketing strategies designed to boost consumer confidence in their products and make them more competitive in the marketplace.
Promoting cultural and creative industries
Mr. Tang also met beneficiaries of the Moubadar’Art project, which was launched in 2024 in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the National Copyright and Related Rights Office (ONDA) to support and promote cultural and creative industries in Algeria. Project leaders showcased the richness and potential of the creative sector in Algeria, and their determination to promote Algerian cultural heritage through such innovative initiatives. They made clear that they see IP as an important tool for economic and cultural development.
Lors de cette rencontre, les porteurs de projets ont su démontrer la richesse et le potentiel du secteur créatif en Algérie, tout en mettant en avant leur engagement en faveur de la valorisation du patrimoine culturel algérien à travers des initiatives innovantes ainsi que l’importance de la propriété intellectuelle comme levier de développement économique et culturel.
Scientific hub
During his stay, Mr. Tang toured the Houari Boumediene University of Science and Technology, where he talked and exchanged ideas with researchers and innovative project leaders. Those innovators made compelling presentations to convey the cutting-edge quality of their ideas and the country’s considerable potential for research and creativity. The university promotes scientific output through its laboratories, research projects and social and business partnerships. It also plays a key role as a scientific hub in the development and dissemination of knowledge.
A tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Mr. Tang’s visit also provided an opportunity to inaugurate the WIPO Algeria Office , based in Algiers and the first WIPO external office to be established in the Arab region and Africa. The Office places Algeria at the heart of activities relating to creativity, innovation and the practical application of knowledge. The external office is strategically and symbolically important as a platform for supporting institutions, researchers, innovators, creators and businesspeople, thereby making IP a tool for economic and social development.
By offering direct access to WIPO tools and services, the Office will accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular:
- SDG 4, by building capacity in higher education and research;
- SDGs 8 and 9, by promoting innovation, supporting businesspeople and creating skilled jobs;
- SDGs 11 and 16, by helping to protect and promote cultural heritage;
- And, more broadly, SDG 17, by strengthening international partnerships.
The Office brings Algeria closer to WIPO services and resources, better placing the country to transform IP into a tool for economic diversification, resilience and social inclusion, and consolidating the foundations of a forward-looking ecosystem.
