The Central Bank of Algeria’s Monetary and Banking Council authorized Djezzy Payment Services, a subsidiary of Optimum Telecom Algeria, to establish itself as a payment service provider. The authorization is an initial step and does not constitute final approval to operate. Djezzy Payment Services must apply to the Central Bank of Algeria for operating approval within 12 months of notification of the authorization. Payment service providers are a new category of financial intermediary under Algeria’s Monetary and Banking Law, intended to diversify payment methods and support financial inclusion.