Algeria All-Optical 2026 Summit All-Optical Networks Powering the Future of 5G and AI

Huawei successfully hosted the Algeria All-Optical 2026 Summit in Algiers on January 20 under the theme “Leading Optical, Leading the 5G & AI Future.” The summit was marked by the official launch of the AI-Oriented Optical Network (AI-ON) and was attended by the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Mr. Sid Ali Zerrouki, and the Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), Mr. John Omo, along with key stakeholders from the telecommunications and digital ecosystem.
The summit highlighted the strategic role of all-optical networks in enabling large-scale 5G deployment, accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and supporting Algeria’s national digital transformation agenda.
A National and Continental Digital Vision
In his address, Mr. John Omo, Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union, commended Algeria’s achievements in building robust national backbone networks and accelerating fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployment. He noted that Algeria’s experience represents a benchmark for Africa, which the ATU aims to leverage to accelerate all-optical network development and digital transformation across the continent, fostering an inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented digital society.
Huawei: A Long-Term Partner in Algeria’s Optical Transformation
In his keynote speech, Mr. Tony Sze, CEO of Huawei Algeria, reviewed the key milestones of Algeria’s optical network development over the past two decades, underscoring the foundational role of optical technologies in the evolution of the country’s communications infrastructure.
He recalled the launch of Algeria’s first SDH service in 2003, noting that today all four operators have built transmission backbone networks at a regional leading level, including one of Africa’s largest 400G backbone networks. He also highlighted the remarkable progress in fixed broadband:
“From the activation of the first ADSL user in 2009 to the launch of Africa’s first 1.5 Gbps optical broadband package, FTTH users in Algeria are now approaching three million nationwide.”
Mr. Sze emphasized that these achievements were driven by strong national leadership and ecosystem collaboration:
“These achievements were made possible by the strategic vision and strong support of the Algerian government, as well as the collective efforts of the entire telecommunications ecosystem. Huawei is proud to have participated in and witnessed the rapid growth of Algeria’s optical industry.”
Optical Networks Powering 5G and AI
Addressing Algeria’s forward-looking digital roadmap, Mr. Sze welcomed the government’s recent policy initiatives:
“The issuance of 5G licenses by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, together with the inclusion of artificial intelligence in Algeria’s national strategy, represents a forward-looking and highly strategic decision. This will undoubtedly accelerate Algeria’s digitalization process and further strengthen its position as a leading center of digital innovation in Africa.”
He highlighted the growing demands placed on transport networks by AI computing and 5G commercialization, including ultra-broadband capacity, ultra-low latency, full coverage, and high reliability, adding:
“We firmly believe that a high-capacity, highly reliable optical transport network will be a cornerstone of this transformation, providing the foundation required for large-scale 5G deployment and the rapid growth of AI computing.”
Mr. Sze further noted that optical networks, with their inherent advantages of high bandwidth, low latency, and strong reliability, are deeply converging with AI technologies, paving the way for the new era of AI-Oriented Optical Networks (AI-ON).
Building a Sustainable AI Ecosystem in Algeria
Reaffirming Huawei’s long-term commitment under the principle “In Algeria, For Algeria,” Mr. Sze stated:
“Huawei will continue to invest in technological innovation and work closely with the Algerian government, operators, and industry partners to build an AI-centric optical network ecosystem that supports sustainable digital and economic development.”
He concluded by emphasizing Huawei’s broader role in Algeria’s AI journey:
“Huawei will collaborate extensively with all sectors of society across the entire AI ecosystem—from computing infrastructure and cloud platforms to large AI models and innovative industry applications. In parallel, we will work together with local partners to develop a sustainable talent ecosystem, supporting the successful implementation of Algeria’s national digital and AI strategy.”
About Huawei
Founded in 1987, Huawei is a global leader in ICT infrastructure and smart devices. The company is committed to bringing the digital world to every person, home, and organization to build a fully connected, intelligent world: making ubiquitous connectivity a right for all and the foundation of intelligence; providing diverse computing power to make the cloud omnipresent and intelligence accessible everywhere; enabling sectors and organizations to become more agile, efficient, and dynamic through robust digital platforms; and reinventing the experience with AI for highly personalized use in all scenarios – home, mobility, work, entertainment, sports, and health.
Huawei employs approximately 207,000 employees, operates in over 170 countries and regions, and serves more than 3 billion people.
For more information: www.huawei.com