Algeria’s first International Conference on Cancer Research took place recently, bringing together global experts to discuss a national cancer research ecosystem. The event, organized by the Algerian Society of Medical Oncology (ASMO) and hosted by the University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) in Algiers, highlighted gaps in funding and infrastructure while outlining steps to build local research capacity.
According to Oncodaily, the conference identified oncology workforce shortages as a critical hurdle. Algeria has fewer than 300 oncologists for a population of over 45 million, creating bottlenecks in both patient care and clinical research. Conference speakers noted that only 5% of cancer patients currently participate in clinical trials, far below levels needed to advance local studies. Dr. Djamel Mokhtar, ASMO president, emphasized the need for training programs to expand the oncology pipeline, citing neighboring Morocco’s 400 oncologists as a regional benchmark.
Funding emerged as another key issue. The Algerian government allocated 1.2 billion Algerian dinars (approximately $9 million) to cancer research in 2025, but conference participants argued this covers less than 20% of estimated needs. Public-private partnerships were proposed as a solution, with private hospitals and pharmaceutical companies urged to co-invest. Pharmaceutical firm Pfizer Algeria, represented at the event, pledged to support a new oncology fellowship program, though specifics were not disclosed.
The conference also spotlighted Algeria’s reliance on imported cancer drugs, which account for 80% of the market. Local production was discussed as a strategic priority, with the Ministry of Health estimating that establishing a domestic oncology drug manufacturing plant could reduce costs by 30% and improve supply chain resilience. The University Hospital of Mustapha Bacha in Algiers confirmed it is developing a biobank to store tissue samples for research, aligning with a broader push to standardize data collection across Algerian hospitals.
Key takeaway for entrepreneurs
Algeria’s cancer research push signals opportunities in oncology education and local drug manufacturing. Entrepreneurs can explore partnerships to fill oncology training gaps or invest in mid-tier pharmaceutical production to meet the 30% cost-reduction potential from domestic drugmaking. Early engagement with public institutions like USTHB and ASMO may unlock grant funding or procurement opportunities.
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