AGP Executive Report

Green Hydrogen & Brine Reuse: Algeria’s state desalination operator ADC says it will start feasibility studies and research partnerships this year to support green hydrogen development and better utilise brine, building on a pilot at the Corso plant in Boumerdès and preparing a framework deal with ONEDD. US Forced-Labour Tariffs: Washington has proposed Section 301 duties that could hit Algeria and seven other African economies, with Algeria listed among countries accused of failing to ban or enforce forced-labour import prohibitions—raising the risk of higher costs for exports to the US. Trade Pressure Widens: The same US proposal targets 60 economies globally, with tariffs proposed at 10% or 12.5% depending on compliance status, and a public comment process before any final decision. Algeria in the World Cup Spotlight: With the tournament approaching, coverage highlights Algeria’s match availability and fan viewing culture abroad, including ticket listings that still show Algeria v Austria as among the games with primary tickets available. Regional Business Context: Commentary on Maghreb rivalry argues that normalisation between Rabat and Algiers could unlock a new economic phase by boosting intra-regional trade and growth.

US Tariffs on Forced-Labour Goods: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed Section 301 duties on imports from 60 economies over alleged failures to ban or enforce forced-labour restrictions, with Algeria among the countries facing a 12.5% additional tariff rate (10% applies to some others with partial or stronger commitments). Algeria in the List: The USTR names Algeria in the group of 54 economies it says failed to impose and effectively enforce forced-labour import prohibitions, adding new trade-cost pressure for Algerian exporters heading to the U.S. Maghreb Public Health Push: A Maghreb forum in Tunis called for a unified regional strategy to curb smoking, with experts from Libya, Tunisia and Algeria highlighting shared health and economic impacts and urging stronger media-led prevention. World Cup Business Buzz (Algeria Angle): With the 2026 World Cup starting June 11, Algeria’s national team is set to play Argentina in Kansas City on June 16, as the tournament’s host-city logistics and global attention ramp up.

US Trade Pressure on Forced Labour: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed additional duties of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including Algeria, after finding they failed to effectively enforce bans on goods made with forced labour—an action under Section 301 that could reshape Algeria’s export costs and compliance priorities. Energy Market Signals for Algeria: Traders report Saudi Aramco raised June LPG prices (propane +1% to +3%, butane +1% to +3%), while Algeria’s Sonatrach cut June official selling prices sharply (propane -18%, butane -31%), highlighting shifting supply-demand dynamics in the Mediterranean market. Algeria in the World Cup Build-Up: Algeria play a Netherlands friendly today in Rotterdam, with the match set as a key final test ahead of the June 11 tournament start. Tourism Demand Watch: Kansas City’s short-term rental bookings are rising ahead of the Argentina vs Algeria match on June 16, with inventory up sharply—useful context for how Algerian fans may drive travel spending. AfCFTA Business Push: An Africa trade summit in Swakopmund focused on turning AfCFTA from a framework into real market access by tackling non-tariff barriers, logistics, and finance.

Algeria’s Clean Energy Push: Algeria is accelerating its shift beyond hydrocarbons, with Sonelgaz driving utility-scale solar and a plan to reach 15 GW by 2035, including a major 2,000 MW solar tender aimed at boosting energy security and future electricity exports. Central Bank Watch: An IMF paper warns Middle East and Central Asia central banks to better shield policy from political pressure and financing demands, stressing that stronger central bank independence helps prevent inflation shocks from sticking. World Cup Economy & Algeria’s Group: With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches, ticket pricing is splitting—standard games see drops while marquee fixtures stay high; in Group J, Algeria is set to face Argentina, with the matchup framed as a key test for Algeria’s campaign. Brand & Business Leadership: Brand Africa and the African Union highlighted the continent’s top marketing and brand leaders, recognizing 100 influential CMOs across Africa and the diaspora—an upbeat signal for regional corporate branding and investment narratives. Energy Trade Signals: Algeria’s gas exports to Europe rose for a fourth straight month, reinforcing the country’s role in regional energy supply.

UN Sanctions Update: The UN Security Council released its latest consolidated sanctions list (updated June 1), again spotlighting Nigerian individuals and groups tied to terrorism, including Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa—another reminder of how security risks can spill into regional trade and finance. Central Banking Pressure: An IMF paper warns central banks across the Middle East and Central Asia face renewed political pressure and government financing demands, threatening inflation control unless independence is strengthened. Algeria in the World Cup Spotlight: Group J has Algeria set to face Argentina on June 16 in Kansas City, with Algeria also expected to battle Austria for second place—turning the tournament into a near-term business and tourism talking point for North Africa. World Cup Ticket Market: Ticket prices appear to be splitting: standard group matches may drop after panic-selling, while knockout games and marquee fixtures stay expensive. Korea-Africa Deal-Making: South Korea’s foreign minister held talks with counterparts from 11 African countries, including Algeria, focusing on expanding energy cooperation and broader economic ties. Algeria-Azerbaijan Energy MoU: Algeria’s president ratified a memorandum with Azerbaijan on cooperation in oil and gas, reinforcing the country’s energy partnership push. Fuel Pricing Watch: Algeria and Tunisia kept fuel prices stable since late February, while Morocco’s diesel moved with global shocks—useful context for regional cost pressures.

Oil & Gas Deal: Algeria’s president ratified an MoU with Azerbaijan to expand cooperation in oil, gas, petrochemicals and green-energy projects, with SOCAR supplying long-term crude volumes to Sonatrach-linked refining. Industrial Upgrades: Lantania won two new industrial wastewater treatment contracts in Algeria—capacity expansions for Fadiplait near Algiers and a full refurbishment at Afia Savola in Oran—both due within 24 months. Energy Prices Watch: Sonatrach cut June LPG official selling prices sharply (propane and butane) while Saudi Aramco raised theirs, underscoring shifting regional supply and pricing dynamics. Tech & Security: London’s Metropolitan Police set a June 5 deadline for Apple, Google and Samsung to update measures against stolen-phone resale, warning it may push for legislation. World Cup Business Pulse: Algeria’s World Cup campaign gets a boost in coverage as Argentina’s arrival in Kansas City continues and Messi is reported set to start in the opener vs Algeria on June 16; meanwhile, Algeria is also mentioned among teams with limited inclusion in EA’s World Cup video-game mode. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan held talks with Algeria’s Tebboune, focusing on deeper cooperation across trade, energy and defense industries.

Oil & Gas Pricing: Saudi Aramco lifted June LPG official selling prices by 1%-3%, while Algeria’s Sonatrach cut them sharply (propane -18% and butane -31%) amid stronger Mediterranean supply. Energy Exports: Algeria boosted pipeline gas deliveries to Europe in early 2026, with Spain up 7% and Italy up 4% year-on-year in Jan-Apr, helped by steady TransMed and Medgaz flows. Hydrocarbons Cooperation: President Tebboune ratified an Azerbaijan–Algeria oil and gas MoU covering upstream, petrochemicals, LNG/naphtha commercialization, and hydrogen-related projects. Trade & Integration: Algeria will host the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (Sept 4-10), targeting deals worth over $44bn with 2,000+ exhibitors and a broad multi-sector program. Digital & AI: Algeria is pushing ahead on its national AI strategy and launching the Dzair Digital Services portal, while ZTE says it has already worked with Alibaba Cloud on data centers in Algeria. Business & Mobility: Schengen visa rejection costs hit Algerians hard in 2025, with Algeria among the top countries by refused applications and lost fees. Football & Economy (World Cup): Algeria’s World Cup preparations get a boost as Argentina’s arrival in Kansas City is set for June 16 vs Algeria, with Messi expected to start.

Energy & Trade: Algeria’s pipeline gas exports to Europe kept climbing, with deliveries to Spain up 7% and to Italy up 4% in the first four months of 2026, as TransMed and Medgaz delivered steadier supply than some rivals. Hydrocarbons Diplomacy: President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ratified a new MoU with Azerbaijan to expand cooperation in oil, gas, petrochemicals, LNG and emerging green-energy projects including hydrogen, with SOCAR set to supply long-term crude volumes to Sonatrach. Intra-Africa Business: Algeria will host the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (Sept 4-10), aiming to boost trade and investment with 2,000+ exhibitors and deals projected above $44bn, in partnership with Afreximbank and AfCFTA. Digital Economy: Algeria reviewed progress on its national AI strategy and approved the launch of the Dzair Digital Services portal, while also teaming with UNDP on a digital future. Regional Unity: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf reaffirmed Algeria’s push to strengthen African unity, citing expanded embassies and Air Algérie’s growing African network. Sports & Economy (Indirect): Algeria’s World Cup presence is set to intersect with major travel and base-camp planning as teams prepare for June 1 roster submission and the tournament’s Kansas City build-up.

Gas & Trade: Algeria’s pipeline gas exports to Europe climbed for a fourth straight month, with deliveries to Spain up 7% and to Italy up 4% in Jan–Apr 2026, as European buyers keep diversifying after the drop in Russian supplies. Digital Economy: Algeria signed a declaration of intent with UNDP to speed up “Digital Algeria 2030,” targeting digital governance, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and the rollout of 500+ digital projects. Intra-African Commerce: Algeria will host the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (Sept 4–10), aiming to boost trade and investment across sectors and support AfCFTA integration, with deals projected above $44bn. Regional Diplomacy: Algeria and Tunisia are pushing closer coordination ahead of an upcoming summit between their presidents. World Cup Business: Argentina’s national team has arrived in Kansas City for base-camp preparations, with Algeria expected to join the host-city lineup in the coming weeks—good news for local services and tourism demand. Energy Infrastructure Watch: Algeria’s electricity export push to Tunisia continues into summer 2026, reinforcing the role of cross-border power flows in regional stability.

Digital Algeria Push: Algeria signed a declaration of intent with UNDP to speed up its “Digital Algeria 2030” plan, targeting stronger digital governance, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and the rollout of 52 public services through the Dzair Digital Services portal. AI Strategy Update: The government also reviewed progress on the national AI strategy and cleared the Dzair portal after cybersecurity testing and citizen pilots, moving from planning to delivery. Trade Links in Focus: Egypt’s 2025 Africa trade report puts Algeria among top destinations for Egyptian exports (about $1.2bn imports), underlining deepening North Africa economic ties. Security & Migration: Spain, with Europol support, arrested nine people and dismantled a migrant-smuggling network moving irregular migrants from Algeria to Spain, seizing cash, drugs, boats, and vehicles. Sports Meets Business: Argentina named Lionel Messi as captain for World Cup 2026, with the tournament opener against Algeria in Kansas City—while World Cup fever in Argentina is also driving counterfeit jersey and trading card sales. Bilateral Diplomacy: Turkish President Erdoğan and Algeria’s Tebboune discussed expanding cooperation in trade, energy, and defense.

Digital Algeria Push: Algeria signed a declaration of intent with UNDP to speed up its “Digital Algeria 2030” plan, including cybersecurity work and the launch of the Dzair Digital Services portal with 52 public services. AI Strategy Moves to Delivery: The government reviewed progress on the national AI strategy and cleared the Dzair portal after citizen pilots, aiming to modernize public services and build a stronger digital ecosystem. Cross-Mediterranean Security: Spanish authorities, with Europol support, arrested nine people in a migrant-smuggling network moving irregular migrants from Algeria to Spain, seizing cash, drugs, boats and vehicles. Trade Snapshot for Africa Day: Egypt’s CAPMAS report shows Libya as top African importer of Egyptian goods ($1.5bn), while Algeria ranks second for Egyptian exports ($1.2bn). Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdoğan and Algeria’s Tebboune discussed expanding cooperation in trade, energy and defense. Sports Meets Business: Algeria’s football and digital momentum continues as World Cup-related activity drives demand for services and merchandise across the region.

Border Security Crackdown: Spanish Guardia Civil and National Police, backed by Europol, arrested nine suspects and seized cash, hashish, boats and vehicles in a migrant-smuggling network operating from Algeria-linked routes to Spain. Healthcare & Trade: Recce Pharmaceuticals says it has signed a non-binding term sheet for a 10-year exclusive MENA licensing deal for its R327 topical gel targeting diabetic foot infections, covering Saudi Arabia, GCC, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco (subject to approvals). Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdoğan spoke by phone with Algeria’s Tebboune, reviewing cooperation in trade, energy and defense industry. Energy & Supply Chains: Kazakhstan pledged support for South Korea’s energy diversification, including facilitating imports of Kazakh crude—amid ongoing Middle East supply disruptions. Water Infrastructure: SONATRACH announced contracts for three solar-powered desalination plants in Tlemcen, Chlef and Mostaganem, each with 300,000 m3/day capacity, as part of a wider national program. Agriculture Exports: Ireland’s cattle exports surpassed 200,000 head, with Algeria among destinations showing strong year-on-year growth. Sanctions Update: The US Treasury removed 76 names/entities from an older sanctions blacklist, including some linked to Algeria, as it streamlines compliance burdens. Sports & Business Culture: World Cup fever in Argentina is boosting counterfeit jersey and trading-card sales, squeezing local textile retailers already hit by cheap imports.

Sanctions Update: The US Treasury removed 76 names and entities from sanctions blacklists, including an Iraqi national, aiming to reduce screening burdens for low-risk targets and refocus on higher-risk sanctions evasion. Energy & Trade: Japan’s oil-derived naphtha imports fell 47% in April as Iran-related Strait of Hormuz disruptions reshuffled supply routes, with Algeria among suppliers seeing increased volumes. Water Infrastructure: SONATRACH is pushing Algeria’s desalination build-out with three new solar-powered plants (Tlemcen, Chlef, Mostaganem), each targeting 300,000 m³/day capacity as part of a wider national programme. Food Security & Imports: Ukraine’s Nibulon resumed corn exports to Algeria, shipping 122,000 tonnes to ONAB in 2025-26, reinforcing Algeria’s reliance on diversified grain sources. Business & Health (MENA): Recce Pharmaceuticals signed a term sheet for a 10-year exclusive licensing deal to distribute its R327 topical gel across MENA, including Algeria, targeting diabetic foot infection treatment. Regional Growth: A report highlights Africa’s widening development financing gap of $1.3tn+ annually despite faster growth, pointing to weak tax collection and limited private-sector credit. Talent & Markets: Algeria’s Fares Ghedjemis reportedly turned down rich offers from Saudi and MLS clubs while interest from Celtic and Germany clubs continues.

Agribusiness & Trade: Nibulon resumed corn exports to Algeria, shipping 122,000 tonnes to ONAB in the 2025-26 marketing year—over 80% of Ukrainian corn bought by Algeria this year—showing how Algeria’s food supply chains keep diversifying. Energy & Regional Deals: Niger’s military-backed government renewed political backing for Global Atomic’s Dasa uranium project, with talks also aimed at building an export corridor that links Niger’s mining output to Algeria. Industrial Policy Watch: The AfDB’s 2025 Africa Industrialisation Index puts Morocco first in Africa for the first time, while Algeria ranks sixth—useful context for investors tracking where manufacturing momentum is shifting. Maghreb Coordination: Algeria and Tunisia agreed to strengthen joint coordination ahead of an upcoming summit, focusing on trade, energy, transport, and border security amid Sahel pressures and irregular migration. Tourism Push: Algeria hosted a seven-day international tourism promotion tour for 50 delegates from 22 countries, targeting about 8 million visitors by 2029 and highlighting Algiers’ Casbah and other heritage sites. Shipping & Finance Signals: MSC says Africa saw the fastest growth in cargo volumes from Asia in 2025, with trade flows from Asia to Africa up 27%—citing improving currencies in countries including Algeria.

Tourism Push: Algeria hosted a seven-day tourism promotion tour for 50 international delegates (journalists and travel agents) across Algiers, Oran, Annaba and Tlemcen, highlighting Roman and Islamic heritage and aiming to attract around 8 million visitors by 2029. Energy Transition & Investment: The IEA says Africa received just 3% of global energy investment in 2026 (about $110bn), warning the Strait of Hormuz crisis is the biggest energy security shock in history and is reshaping where capital flows. Electricity Exports: Algeria reaffirmed its commitment to continue electricity exports to Tunisia during summer 2026, underlining cross-border power trade as demand rises. SME/Startup Support: AfDB and Algeria committed to boosting support for startups and SMEs across Africa, focusing on scaling local enterprise capacity. Diplomacy: Tanzania’s ambassador presented credentials to Algeria’s FM Ahmed Attaf in Algiers, signaling deeper North Africa–Sahel engagement. Film Production (Culture-Economy): Algerian director Sofia Djama is filming “A Quarter to Thursday” in Algiers, a follow-up to her acclaimed “Blessed,” with international cast and a story set around a clandestine abortion.

Startup & SME Finance: The African Development Bank and Algeria’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro-Enterprises pledged to deepen support for startups and SMEs, including stronger links with Algeria Venture and joint participation in an Algiers startup conference. Energy Transition: Algeria is accelerating renewables and green hydrogen, aiming for 15 GW of renewable capacity by 2035 to reduce heavy oil-and-gas dependence. Electricity Trade: Algeria confirmed it will keep exporting electricity to Tunisia during summer 2026. Health Tech Deal: Recce Pharmaceuticals signed a term sheet for a 10-year exclusive MENA licensing plan for its R327G gel to treat diabetic foot infections, covering Saudi Arabia, GCC, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco. Water & Smart Metering: Sensus International launched as a standalone firm after its sale from Xylem, with operations including Algeria, targeting lower water losses and utility digital transformation. Geopolitics & Security: Russia’s top military-technical cooperation partners include Algeria, alongside China and India, according to a Russian official. Tourism Flows: Turkey’s April arrivals data put Algeria among the top Arab sources of tourists to Türkiye.