Algeria and Germany have entered a critical phase in their partnership to develop the country's pharmaceutical industry, focusing on technology transfer and biotechnology. According to Algerian Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Wessim Kouidri, the goal is to build sustainable industrial capacities that enhance healthcare security and open up export opportunities to African markets. This development was announced during the opening of the "Pharma 2026" conference in Algiers.
The partnership involves a strategic agreement between the Algerian public company "Saidal" and German company "Boehringer Ingelheim". The agreement includes the localization of innovative drug production in Algeria, starting with treatments for rare and advanced pulmonary fibrosis and innovative breast cancer medications. Kouidri described this step as a significant leap in establishing pharmaceutical sovereignty and stimulating national innovation.
The Algerian government has made significant efforts to boost domestic drug production, with recent initiatives enabling the country to cover 82% of its national market needs through local production. Notably, 95% of this production has a complete manufacturing process within the local value chain. This achievement positions Algeria to become a regional export platform.
Participants at the conference, including economic authorities and company representatives, emphasized the importance of this partnership. Abdelwahed Kerrar, Deputy President of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council and CEO of the "Biopharm" group, noted that bilateral relations are experiencing an upward dynamic to build a pioneering complementary model.
The partnership also focuses on training competencies and controlling research and development to transform the local industry into an international competitive advantage. Executives from "Saidal" and "Bayer Algeria" highlighted the priority of developing skills and innovation. Derek O'Leary, Regional Director of "Boehringer Ingelheim", reaffirmed his company's commitment to building long-term industrial alliances with Algeria.
The "Pharma 2026" conference, held under the theme "Health and Sovereignty: An Algerian-German axis for a strong national pharmaceutical industry", brought together leaders from the pharmaceutical sector, chambers of commerce, and representatives of multinational companies from both countries. The event showcased Algeria's potential to become a major player in the pharmaceutical industry.
The strategic partnership between Algeria and Germany is expected to have a significant impact on the country's healthcare sector and economy. With a focus on innovation, technology transfer, and local production, Algeria aims to reduce its reliance on imported drugs and become a regional hub for pharmaceutical production.
Key points
- Algeria aims to cover 100% of its national market needs through local drug production and become a regional export platform.
- The partnership with Germany includes the localization of innovative drug production in Algeria, focusing on cancer treatments and biotechnology products.
- Algeria's pharmaceutical sector has made significant progress, with 82% of the national market needs covered through local production.
