Mutualising resources of social security institutions is a logical consequence of a government programme aimed at simplifying procedures with a view to improving public service. The constant increase in users’ expectations has lent real impetus to the reform process. Reform at the same time has involved another major challenge: efficiency and maintaining the financial balance of the system.

Social security in Algeria consists of five organizations covering more than 86 per cent of the population, over an area of more than 2,382 million square kilometres. Following the administrative breakdown of the country, social security funds are mostly represented by one agency in each Wilaya; with the exception of the largest, the National Social Insurance Fund for Employees (Caisse nationale des assurances sociales des travailleurs salariés – CNAS), which on account of the number of employers and insured persons it manages, has some 826 local agencies in addition to its head offices in Wilaya capitals. In view of the desire to improve services, the pooling of resources between the organizations presents a very good option.