Agriculture at the service of Algerian economic growth

Algeria recorded a remarkable figure for its agricultural sector, reaching more than $35 billion in GDP for the 2023-2024 campaign. Faced with climatic challenges, particularly drought, the Algerian authorities have put in place a strategy to strengthen the contribution of agriculture to the national economy, thus ensuring food security and creating jobs.

Today, agriculture represents 18% of the country’s GDP. The government plans to irrigate 1.3 million hectares in the southern desert regions, to increase the cultivable area for cereals and other essential crops. At the same time, international partnerships aim to diversify and secure the food supply: an agreement with Qatar launched a powdered milk production project in the Adrar region, with the objective of covering 50% of local needs, while a partnership with Italy aims to develop cereals and pulses.

To strengthen its self-sufficiency in wheat, Algeria has intensified its agricultural investments in the south, transforming desert regions like Biskra and Wadi Souf into production centers. The country thus covered 80% of its domestic demand for wheat this year. However, challenges remain, in particular to reduce dependence on wheat imports, currently between 7 and 11 million tonnes annually, making it the fourth largest importer in the world according to the FAO.

Thanks to this ambitious strategy, Algeria hopes to reduce its historical dependence on hydrocarbons by diversifying its economy. The government is banking on sustainable development objectives and support for actors in the agricultural sector to build a more resilient and sustainable model, capable of meeting the food needs of its growing population and ensuring better economic stability.