There is now a drone training institution in Algeria.
This, after the aviation authorities in the north African country authorised the Centre for Industrial Technology Research (CRTI), through its subsidiary EPE CRTI Sky-Tec Engineering SPA, to make it the first organisation in Algeria authorised to train and certify drone pilots.
With the accreditation, Sky-Tec Engineering is now qualified to provide specialised training programs for professional remote pilots serving economic institutions, public bodies, government departments, organizations, and individuals seeking expertise in drone operations.
This marks a significant regulatory milestone in the country’s emerging unmanned aerial systems framework.
Granted by the National Centre for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CNASPB), the certification formalises a national regulatory structure governing civil drone operations, including training, certification, and operational compliance across categories 1 and 2.
Category 1 certification is for recreational drone hobbyists while Category 2 is for professional and commercial operators.
Announcing the milestone, Algeria's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari, said the achievement was the result of "continuous efforts and fruitful cooperation with the National Centre for Airborne Drone Systems."
He added that the initiative contributes to supporting "excellence, innovation, and developing national competencies in advanced technological fields."
Baddari described the certification as "a qualitative step towards strengthening national capabilities in drone technologies and keeping pace with the digital and technological transformations that our country is witnessing."
CRTI Director Dr Riad Badji said the certification follows years of technical and regulatory work aimed at establishing a structured ecosystem for drone use. He said drone operation is no longer informal, stressing that any operator must now be trained, assessed, and certified under the new framework.
The training programme is structured according to user profile, ranging from 8–10 days for amateur operators to up to two months for professional trainees following technical evaluation.
CRTI said initial sessions will begin in the coming days.
The centre has developed dedicated infrastructure, including simulation facilities, classrooms, and field training zones, to support both theoretical and applied instruction.
Officials said the initiative is expected to have significant economic implications, particularly in agriculture, where drones are increasingly used for precision farming, crop monitoring, and large-scale land management, aligning with broader food security strategies.
The regulatory framework is expected to expand with the accreditation of additional institutions, including the National School of Autonomous Systems and a partner university currently undergoing approval. Together, they are expected to form a national certification network for drone pilots.
Authorities stressed that under the new system, no drone may be operated without an official certificate issued by accredited centres.
