The world leader in digital security Gemalto won the contract for the production of biometric identidy cards in Algeria, the minister of Interior announced on 29 June.

"Gemalto was selected for the acquisition of the body of the pre-personalized card and application of national biometric and electronic identity card (CNIBE)", explained the minister, indicating that the contract value is €17 million.

The Franco-Dutch group was chosen following the second bid process started last March.

A first call for tenders launched in December 2014 was unsuccessful.

In May 2014, Gemalto had already been chosen by Algiers to support its national program for biometric passports.