State-backed infrastructure deals expand
Separately, Algeria’s state railway operator SNTF acquired 200 new wagons. The fleet includes 100 freight wagons and 100 passenger coaches. Delivery is scheduled for 2025. SNTF’s 2023 revenue reached DZD 22.3 billion (USD 163 million), a 4% increase from 2022.
Digital infrastructure accelerates
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered continued state support for startups. The 2024 budget allocates DZD 30 billion (USD 220 million) to the National Fund for Startup Support (ANSEJ). Private sector involvement in startup financing is now mandatory for state contracts above DZD 500 million (USD 3.65 million). In 2023, ANSEJ funded 1,872 projects, 38% led by women.
Foreign tourist arrivals rose 10% in 2024 to 3.2 million, up from 2.9 million in 2023. The Ministry of Tourism attributes growth to visa facilitation and digital marketing campaigns. Tourism revenue reached USD 410 million in 2024, a 12% increase from 2023.
Energy and mining partnerships deepen
China and Algeria signed a MoU on iron ore exploration. Algeria’s Gara Djebilet mine holds 3.5 billion tonnes of reserves. China imports 1.1 billion tonnes of iron ore annually, 80% from Australia and Brazil. Algeria’s ore contains 58% iron content, below the 62% benchmark for global pricing power. The MoU includes feasibility studies for a 20 million-tonne-per-year processing plant.
Algeria’s hydrocarbon sector remains stable. Sonatrach’s 2023 revenue reached USD 50.3 billion, a 2% decline from 2022. Natural gas exports to Europe rose 15% in 2023 to 48 billion cubic metres. The TransMed pipeline to Italy operates at 90% capacity. Algeria’s proven gas reserves stand at 2.4 trillion cubic metres, 1.3% of global reserves.
Education and workforce shifts
The African Union’s Continental Conference on Education in Nouakchott included Algeria’s vocational training reforms. Algeria plans to open 50 new vocational centres by 2026, adding 100,000 training slots. The 2024 budget allocates DZD 45 billion (USD 330 million) to vocational training, a 20% increase from 2023. Unemployment among 15–24-year-olds was 28.1% in 2023, down from 30.2% in 2022.
Climate and food security data
Algeria’s wheat imports reached 8.2 million tonnes in 2023, up from 7.5 million in 2022. Local production covers 30% of demand. The 2024 budget allocates DZD 120 billion (USD 875 million) to agricultural subsidies, including irrigation systems and seed distribution.
Diaspora and foreign relations
Morocco condemned Algeria’s cultural policies, accusing Algiers of “appropriating” Amazigh heritage. The statement follows Algeria’s 2023 decision to make Tamazight an official language in the constitution. Morocco’s Amazigh population is 10 million; Algeria’s is 12 million.
Pope Francis visited Algeria in May 2024, the first papal visit since 2019. The visit included meetings with pro-independence clergy from the 1954–1962 war. Algeria’s Catholic population is 3,000, down from 1 million in 1962.
Security and transport upgrades
Algeria’s transport infrastructure spending reached DZD 500 billion (USD 3.65 billion) in 2023, a 12% increase from 2022. Projects include the USD 3.2 billion Hauts Plateaux highway and the USD 1.8 billion Algiers metro extension. The Hauts Plateaux highway will connect Algiers to Tamanrasset, reducing travel time by 40%.
Week’s balance
Key takeaway for entrepreneurs:
Algeria’s digital infrastructure expansion creates opportunities in fintech, e-commerce, and SaaS. State-backed startup funding and mandatory private sector involvement in contracts above USD 3.65 million reduce early-stage capital risks. English proficiency gains among youth may lower hiring costs for international-facing businesses.
💡 Starting a business in Algeria? GlobalStart guides you step by step: procedures, real costs, company forms (SARL, EURL, SPA) and CNRC registration.