An official mobile app to combat and limit the spread of the coronavirus in Algeria has been developed by the ministry responsible for startups.
The application (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.covid19_algeria), the result of collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the private incubator incubator, will ‘‘alert  authorities if a person has symptoms of the coronavirus, and this will allow them to do the screening without the person having to travel to avoid infecting other people.’’

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In a statement to National Radio, Algeria ‘s Minister responsible for Startups, Yacine Oualid said all Algerian startups are mobilized against the coronavirus to help both the government and Algerian citizens in their quest to fight against this pandemic.  

For example, he said,  as part of the fight against the spread of Coronavirus, “Jumia”, a pan-African startup specialized in e-commerce, is distributing voluntarily, hydroalcoholic solutions. On its part, E-madrassa is voluntarily providing free online tutoring on the coronavirus disease. Mag-assistance, another startup has made available 10 medical ambulances for samples from home, the minister further said..

He also revealed that Algeria has asked Google to provide it with everything related to the pandemic, stressing that “a budget has been allocated to meet this demand”.

In addition, the minister reassured that the delay in the generalization of e-payment “will be made up in the next three or four months” adding that the problem is more “administrative than technical”.

Earlier this week, his counterpart in the Ministery of Micro-enterprise, Startups and the Knowledge Economy, Yassine Djeridene announced that his sector was working to establish a favourable business climate and a specific legal framework for micro-companies and startups, with a view to strengthening innovation and technological transition.

Expected in July, 2020, the  legal framework for startups will provide greater effectiveness and efficiency in the creation of innovative businesses, the minister said. 

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer.
He could be contacted at udohrapulu@gmail.com