Algeria Sees Fertilizer Powerhouse Leadership

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to assess the progress of Algeria’s key strategic projects in the hydrocarbons, mining, and transport sectors.

A major focus was the Integrated Phosphate Project, a $7 billion initiative led by Sonatrach and Sonarem that is expected to begin production in the first quarter of 2027. The project, which stretches from the phosphate mines of Bled El-Hadba in Tebessa to processing and fertilizer production facilities in Souk Ahras and Skikda, aims to position Algeria among the world’s leading fertilizer producers. Its launch will coincide with the completion of the Annaba port expansion, enabling the export of the country’s first phosphate shipments.

The meeting also examined financing arrangements for the ambitious Algiers–Tamanrasset railway, described by President Tebboune as the “new project of the century.” Construction is set to begin no later than September through three major sections. Spanning more than 2,000 kilometers, the rail link is expected to boost economic activity in southern Algeria and strengthen trade connections with Sahel countries. The line is scheduled to enter service by the end of 2028, while the Algiers–Adrar/El Meniaâ section is expected to become operational on a trial basis in early 2027.

The discussions brought together senior government officials, including Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab, Finance Minister Abdelkrim Bouzred, and Sonatrach CEO Noureddine Daoudi.