Optimum Telecom Algérie
Optimum Telecom Algérie operates the Djezzy mobile network in Algeria. The Algerian state, through the Fonds National d'Investissement, has held 96.57 percent since 2022.
Industry: Mobile telecommunications | Location: Algiers, Algeria | Founded: 2001
About Optimum Telecom Algérie
Optimum Telecom Algérie is the company that operates Djezzy, a mobile network operator in Algeria with its headquarters in Algiers. Ecofin Agency reported that Djezzy had 18.1 million subscribers at the end of June 2026, up 4.2 percent from a year earlier, and Launchbase Africa describes it as the country's second-largest mobile operator. Wikipedia gives its employee count as about 2,900.
According to Wikipedia, the company won Algeria's second GSM licence on 11 July 2001 with a bid of USD 737 million and launched services on 15 February 2002. It later became part of the Orascom Telecom group, which VimpelCom acquired in 2010; VimpelCom was later renamed VEON. Algérie Eco reported that the Algerian state acquired a 51 percent stake in 2014 for USD 2.6 billion through the Fonds National d'Investissement (FNI). On 1 July 2022 FNI bought VEON's remaining 45.57 percent stake for 102 billion dinars, and Algérie Eco reports that FNI, which represents the state, now holds 96.57 percent of the capital.
Algérie Eco reported that Boumediene Senouci was installed as chief executive on 20 April 2025 at the FNI headquarters, replacing Mahieddine Allouche, who had led the company on an interim basis since August 2022.
On 23 September 2026 the Monetary and Banking Council of the Bank of Algeria authorised Djezzy Payment Services, a dedicated subsidiary of Optimum Telecom Algérie, to incorporate as a payment service provider. The authorisation is a first step: the subsidiary must apply for final approval within 12 months before it can operate, Ecofin Agency reported. Djezzy has not said which services it will offer. Ecofin Agency also reported that more than 1,000 merchants accepted online payments in Algeria by the end of June 2026, up from 644 a year earlier.
Leadership
- Boumediene Senouci, Chief Executive Officer