Weekly trends
Growth and energy: the state’s two levers
The International Monetary Fund forecasts 5 % GDP growth for Algeria in 2026. The figure is driven by hydrocarbons and public investment. Hydrocarbon revenues rose 12 % year-on-year in Q1 2024, according to Sonatrach. The state budget for 2024 allocates DZD 11.3 T (USD 84 B) to infrastructure, housing, and industrial zones.
South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding with Sonatrach in April 2024 to import 500 000 t of liquefied natural gas annually starting 2025. Algeria’s total LNG exports reached 12.4 Mt in 2023, 3 % higher than 2022.
A new oil-and-gas licensing round opens in 2026. The Ministry of Energy and Mines published a draft tender document on 20 April. The round covers 30 onshore and offshore blocks. Minimum exploration work programs are set at USD 10 M per block over three years.
Tax and compliance: tighter rules, delayed deadlines
Algeria postponed its e-invoicing mandate beyond 2026. The General Directorate of Taxes issued a circular on 22 April stating that technical specifications are still under review. The system was initially scheduled for 1 January 2025. No new deadline has been set.
The tax authority extended the tax net to income from unregistered online activities. A decree published in the Official Journal on 18 April imposes a 19 % flat tax on digital earnings above DZD 500 000 (USD 3 700) per year. Platforms must report user earnings to the tax authority quarterly.
Micro-enterprises and startups: new funding, new licenses
Algérie Télécom established an USD 11 M AI fund on 24 April. The fund targets early-stage startups in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Applications open on 1 May. Startups must be incorporated in Algeria and have at least one Algerian co-founder.
The Central Bank of Algeria issued new rules for payment service providers on 19 April. Fintech startups can now apply for licenses in three categories: payment initiation, account information, and digital wallets. Minimum capital requirements range from DZD 50 M (USD 370 000) to DZD 200 M (USD 1.5 M).
Seedstars and the SANAD Entrepreneurship Program launched a USD 2 M fund for female-led startups in Africa. Algeria is one of the eligible countries. Applications close on 30 June. Startups must have at least one female co-founder and a product in market.
Agriculture and food security: imports remain high
Algeria’s wheat imports for 2024 are projected at 7.5 Mt, unchanged from 2023. The country produced 2.8 Mt of wheat in 2023, 15 % below the five-year average. The government maintains a 12 % import duty and a 19 % value-added tax on wheat.
The Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture reported that Algeria’s cereal stocks stood at 2.1 Mt on 1 April 2024, sufficient for 3.5 months of consumption.
Business plans and consortia: cross-border moves
The El-Sewedy family, Egypt’s largest industrial conglomerate, announced plans to invest in Cameroon through a new Algeria-Egypt industrial consortium. The consortium will focus on renewable energy and electrical equipment. The first project, a 50 MW solar plant, is scheduled for 2025. The family’s Algerian subsidiary, Elsewedy Electric Algeria, reported DZD 12 B (USD 90 M) in revenue in 2023.
A Spanish trade document published on 23 April lists Algeria as a priority market for Spanish exporters. The document cites automotive components, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy as high-potential sectors. Spain exported EUR 1.2 B worth of goods to Algeria in 2023, 8 % higher than 2022.
SMEs and trade: registration and fairs
The Algerian National Centre for Trade Register (CNRC) reported 1.2 M active commercial registrations as of 31 March 2024. Micro-enterprises account for 78 % of the total. The CNRC introduced an online renewal system in January 2024. Renewal time dropped from 15 days to 48 hours.
Twenty Togolese SMEs participated in the African Trade Fair in Algiers from 15 to 19 April. The fair hosted 300 exhibitors from 25 countries. Algeria’s Ministry of Trade allocated DZD 500 M (USD 3.7 M) to support Algerian SMEs at international fairs in 2024.
Company law and expression: unchanged framework
Algeria’s company law remains based on Ordinance No. 01-03 of 20 August 2001. The law requires all commercial companies to register with the CNRC. Foreign ownership is capped at 49 % in most sectors, except for hydrocarbons and renewable energy, where 100 % foreign ownership is allowed under specific conditions.
ARTICLE 19, an international non-governmental organisation, published a report on 25 April stating that Algeria’s press freedom index declined from 134 to 146 out of 180 countries in 2024. The report cites the closure of two independent newspapers in 2023 and the imprisonment of three journalists.
Weekly balance
Key takeaway for entrepreneurs
Algeria’s 2026 growth projection of 5 % is supported by hydrocarbons and public spending. Tax compliance is tightening: e-invoicing is delayed but online income is now taxable. New fintech licenses and state-backed funds create opportunities for startups. Foreign ownership remains capped at 49 % in most sectors.
💡 Starting a business in Algeria? GlobalStart guides you step by step: procedures, real costs, company forms (SARL, EURL, SPA) and CNRC registration.