A Conversation with Abderrahmane Hadj Nacer

ChatGPT isn’t just a tool—it’s a revolution. It’s poised to change the way we work, live, and connect. Imagine accomplishing in seconds what once took weeks.
Coder can now multiply their productivity fivefold—or be replaced entirely by a single prompt. Lawyers can draft contracts in moments, bypassing traditional bottlenecks. Designers can conjure logos and visual concepts with a few words. Exams? Written by machines.
90% of professions will feel the tremors. In this context, we spoke with Mr. Abderrahmane Hadj Nacer, former governor of the Bank of Algeria, a man known for his sharp, forward-thinking analyses. We wanted to understand how someone of his caliber views this tidal wave of technological disruption.
”ChatGPT needs to embrace the truth.”
When asked about his first interaction with ChatGPT, Mr. Hadj Nacer shared an observation that cuts to the heart of the AI challenge: “I asked about Tarek Ibn Ziad, and it got it right—until it got it wrong. The answer was closed, definitive, and false. A true tool should acknowledge uncertainty, offering hypotheses rather than pretending to be absolute.”
This, he says, isn’t a failure of technology but a failure of intent. “The scientific method is about openness—acknowledging multiple perspectives. ChatGPT, as it stands, feels designed to direct people, not to guide them scientifically.”
The Revolution Beyond Google
Is ChatGPT more powerful than Google? “Absolutely. But we’re only at the beginning. Right now, it’s magic—it dazzles people into thinking it has all the answers. That’s dangerous. People may stop thinking critically and simply trust the machine. That’s a mistake.”
But the potential is undeniable.
ChatGPT’s Real Potential
When asked what ChatGPT could do that he couldn’t, Mr. Hadj Nacer highlighted its linguistic creativity: “It can write poetry—rhymes I wouldn’t have thought of. But let’s not forget: its foundation is human knowledge. Used wisely, it’s a tool. Misused, it becomes a crutch.”
As an analyst, he envisions a future where ChatGPT doesn’t just automate tasks but transforms them. He gave a powerful example:
“Imagine I want Algeria to reach a per capita income of $30,000 in 10 years. What conditions must I create today to make that happen? What industries should I focus on? What investments yield the highest multiplier effect?
If ChatGPT could reverse-engineer that goal and give me actionable models, it would be revolutionary. Right now, it’s not there yet.”
Decision-Making for Nations
For leaders of nations, decisions are rarely black and white. “Should Algeria focus on fossil fuels or alternative energy? Public transport or air transport? Export raw materials or develop value-added industries?
These aren’t simple questions. ChatGPT must evolve to provide tailored, contextual answers. Algeria isn’t Tunisia or Lebanon. It’s vast—its strategies must reflect that reality.”
A Quantum Leap in Work
Is he afraid that ChatGPT will take his job? Not at all.
“Work changes, always. The key is to think beyond automation. Use AI to free humans from repetitive tasks, allowing us to focus on creativity, strategy, and collaboration. The nature of work will evolve, but human intelligence will always lead the way.”
The Ultimate Question
If given only one question to ask ChatGPT, Mr. Hadj Nacer would ask: Does God exist?
Not for the answer, but to see if the machine acknowledges the depth of human thought. “True intelligence doesn’t give definitive answers to philosophical questions. It presents perspectives, schools of thought, and opens minds. That’s where humanity excels—and where machines have much to learn.”
Conclusion
ChatGPT isn’t here to replace us—it’s here to challenge us. To push us to think deeper, act smarter, and redefine what it means to be human.
In Mr. Hadj Nacer’s words: “The most important thing is human intelligence—using AI, but never surrendering to it. Together, we can shape a future where machines enhance our minds, not replace them.”