Algeria's youth sector reform: Hidaoui announces shift from activity-based management to institutional governance

Algeria's youth sector is undergoing a profound transformation, moving away from a model of "occasional activities" toward a sustainable, institutional approach. Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Hidaoui announced this shift at a national conference in Algiers, outlining a vision centered on governance, digitalization, and human resource development.

The reform, themed "modern governance, effective support, and active youth in sustainable development," seeks to fundamentally alter how youth structures operate. "The sector is working to change the philosophy of work by moving from an approach of circumstantial activities to sustainable institutional action," Hidaoui stated. The core objective remains protecting and guiding young people while shielding them from social ills.

This strategic pivot acknowledges Algeria's demographic reality, with over half its population under thirty. Public policies for youth are thus a paramount concern, impacting social, economic, and security landscapes. Experts have long argued that the previous event-focused management, often centered on summer camps and one-off sports activities, fails to meet the needs of a connected, demanding generation grappling with unemployment, school dropout, and irregular migration.

Digitalization forms a cornerstone of this reform. The ministry now manages twenty digital platforms with over 210,000 members, signaling a move toward online services. While observers note the journey to full national coverage, especially in rural and southern areas, is long, the initiative aims to create a digital backbone for youth services. This transition is intended to enhance accessibility and efficiency in engaging Algeria's youth.

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The sector is working to change the philosophy of work by moving from an approach of circumstantial activities to sustainable institutional action.