« Algeria with its unique and strategic well-positioned geographic location represents a bridge to Africa and Europe. «
With Africa emerging as a major growth hub, how do you see Algeria positioning itself as a gateway for Indian companies to the continent?
Excellent question and thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk about my Country in your esteemed magazine…Algeria with its unique and strategic well-positioned geographic location represents a bridge to Africa and Europe and this is very important for Indian companies looking to invest in the African and European markets from a single base.
The economic strength of Algeria with its financial reserves provides political stability and reduce risks of sudden economic collapses that can affect international markets. The deep political reforms (simplifying company registration, licensing, and customs clearance),undertaken by H.E Mr the President Abdelmajid Tebboune, pave the way into a stable and protective law farmwork for domestic and foreign investors.
The existing trade relationship between Algeria and India provides a strong foundation for developing and establishing new business.Algeria offers a flourishing and constant market for Indian companies. From this perspective, Indian compagnies can gradually establish and expand their business into the African market easily thanks to the existing and developing infrastructures and Industrial Bases such as ports, roads, highways and industrial zones, that connecting Algeria into the depth Africa. This advantage constitutes a strategic opportunity to enhance ties, trade and connectivity with the African continent in several domains, such as, hydrocarbon, Renewable Energy, Information Technology (IT), Digitalization and Food Processing.
It is also very significant to mention that Algeria is signatory of Bilateral Agreements and Treaties and Avoidance of Double Taxation with the African countries as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), an African Union agreement aimed at creating a free trade area across Africa in order to boost intra-African trade and the free movement of people and capital.
Algeria and India share a long stage of Algeria–India relations?How would you characterize the current stage of Algeria–India relations?
Algeria and India have an excellent political relationship that serves as a strong, stable, and strategically important for both countries. The relationship between the two countries is built on a solid foundation of historical friendship and solidarity. India was a reliable supporter of the Algerian liberation in 1954, during its struggle against the French colonialism.
The diplomatic ties have been established in 1962, after the independence of Algeria. The two nations have a shared history of anti-colonialism and leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), continues to reinforce the deep-seated mutual trust and understanding.Algeria and India often share similar positions on multilateral platforms, supporting issues like UN Security Council reform, fighting terrorism, and promoting a multipolar world order.
The current stage of Algeria–India relations are politically robust and resilient. The bilateral trade has been growing steadily and is substantial, often exceeding 2 to 3 billion USD annually. After the state visit to Algeria undertaken by hon. President Mrs Drupadi Murmu, on October 2025, following by two official visits of our respective Chief of Defence staff (CDS), the Algeria–India relations, have witnessed a new dynamic lends a new impetus aiming to boost and drive the bilateral ties intonew economic horizons, beneficial for both countries, especially, in Defence, pharmaceutical industry, fertilizer sector, digitalization…
What new investment opportunities exist in Algeria for Indian companies, especially in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing?
Algeria is actively seeking to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbon dependence. This has led to a new investment Act (2022). The Government clear focus on economic diversification have created a favourable and promising environment for investment in multiple sectors such as, agriculture and Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Manufacturing Plants (PPP Model) by Setting up production units for generics, vaccines, FinTech and Digital Payments, renewable energy especially in solar and panels, Joint ventures for producing related Auto Components…etc. I think now is an opportune time for the Indian companies and the Indian businessmen to seriously explore the Algerian market beyond traditional sectors.
The new law of investment, is designed to attract foreign investment to improve the business climate by granting financial incentives, customs duty exemptions and industrial land. For Indian companies, this presents a crucial opportunity to show their expertise in areas where Algeria has a pressing need.
President of India’s State Visit to Algeria in October 2024 was a landmark event. Could you share the key outcomes of this visit?
Of course, as I said previously, India and Algeria share a long-standing relationship. Algeria is a key partner for India in North Africa, especially in the energy sector and this first visit of an Indian head of state, remarked a new area in the Algeria India relations during which the two leaders Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Mrs Drupadi Murmu, affirmed a shared common vision regarding the regional and the international issues as well as on fighting terrorism and extremism, Coordination on UN Security Council reforms and defending just causes over the world. Both leaders have also agreed to elevate their trade balance and to promote the economic exchange.
Algeria is commemorating the 71st Anniversary of the Glorious Algerian Revolution. How do you see this milestone shaping the country’s vision for the future?
This is a pertinent and profound question. The 71st anniversary of the Algerian Glorious Revolution is not just a historical remembrance, it is a powerful force actively shaping the country’s present and future by building bridges and connections between ‘’revolutionary generation’’and ‘’raising generation’’, in the aim of cementing our national identity and preserving our rich and inspiring history.
November 1st, 1954, is a cornerstone of modern Algerian identity. It’s a narrative of immense sacrifice over 1.5 million martyrs and ultimate victory against the French colonizer. This legacy helps us to face contemporary challenges in the Spirit of the Revolution with collective determination to overcome all the obstacles to build the ‘’New Algeria’’, stable, robust and resilient.
Could you elaborate on the tourism opportunities in Algeria and what steps are being taken to make it more accessible to Indian travellers?
As you know, Algeria is a natural beauty and rich of its history, but unfortunately it remains largely undiscovered. The opportunities for tourism in my Country are immense and incredibly diverse.Algeria has a rich historical legacy and cultural heritage; roman ruins as Timgadand Ancient Cities as Casbah of Algiers have been listed in UNESCO immaterial Heritage.
The Algerian Sahara is one of the most authentic and unique Desert in the world. Algeria has a stunning, 1,200 km-long Mediterranean coastline known as the Corniche. It features beautiful beaches, cliffs, and mountains.
The Algerian Government has taken a tremendous effort in order to develop the tourism sector and make Algeria an attractive destination for tourist. In 2022 the Government has implemented a new measure by offering visa on arrival for foreign tourists desiring to visit exclusively the Sahara.