Cement Exports and Trade Surges: Algeria’s Hidden Export Power Trade volumes with China hit $9 billion in six months, according to Algerian customs data. This surge—$1.5 billion monthly—reflects Algeria’s reliance on Asian markets as European and African trade slows. For entrepreneurs, this means supply chain risks (delays, tariffs) but also new demand channels for local … Read more
$1.2 Billion Stuck: Why Algeria’s Banks Are Choking Small Businesses Algeria’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are drowning in red tape and cash shortages, with banks approving less than 10% of loan applications despite the government’s repeated promises to ease financing. The problem isn’t just bureaucracy—it’s a $1.2 billion liquidity gap in the SME sector, … Read more
Algerian entrepreneurs with West Bank supply chains face new threats Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s announcement of 1,000 new settlement housing units in the occupied West Bank—just days after 12 Western nations pledged trade sanctions—marks a direct challenge to businesses relying on Israeli markets. The move targets Kida and Havat settlements, where 1,665 dunams … Read more
Algeria’s white cement industry has just shipped 22,000 tons to Guatemala, marking the first major export of the product to Central America. The deal, handled by the Port of Annaba, signals a shift: Algerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no longer just competing in North Africa but testing global markets. For entrepreneurs in construction … Read more
Weekly trends Energy exports: Gas and solar as trade levers Solar energy is emerging as a secondary export opportunity. Algeria’s 5,000 MW solar capacity (targeting 22,000 MW by 2030) is being marketed to Azerbaijan, with discussions on joint ventures in renewable energy projects. The Algerian-Russian joint commission (13th session in Moscow) included energy cooperation clauses, … Read more
Algeria’s Central Bank has approved non-binding guiding principles this week to prevent terrorist misuse of new financial technologies, a move that will tighten compliance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking digital financing. The document, published by the United Nations on 21 January 2025, urges member states to scrutinize fintech channels such as peer-to-peer lending … Read more
Weekly trends: infrastructure expansion, digital acceleration, and trade diversification Digital and technological investments For entrepreneurs, the computing center reduces reliance on foreign cloud services. 5G expansion enables real-time data applications in logistics, agriculture, and fintech. FTTH rollout lowers latency for remote work and e-commerce. Water security and energy projects The desalination plants create opportunities for … Read more
Government and Policy Frameworks The government also faced renewed calls from ARTICLE 19, the global freedom of expression watchdog, to uphold press freedom during a week when authorities detained three journalists over social media posts critical of state policies. The NGO reported that Algeria’s press freedom ranking has fallen 18 places since 2020, now sitting … Read more
In November 2025, Algeria’s push to position itself as a regional trade gateway took a visible step forward when twenty Togolese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) set up temporary booths at the Algiers International Fairground. Brought under the banner of the African Trade Fair, the delegation included makers of shea butter cosmetics, cashew nut processors … Read more
Algeria’s economic agenda this week centered on three themes: securing energy transition financing, managing structural constraints in SME lending, and accelerating urban and digital infrastructure. The government reaffirmed a $60 billion five-year energy investment plan, with green hydrogen as a priority, while acknowledging persistent natural gas production shortfalls. In urban planning, two major projects were … Read more