A 13-strong Italian business delegation specializing in agricultural technologies presented solutions to support Algeria's agricultural modernization in Algiers. The meeting, held under the theme "Algeria-Italy, cooperation opportunities: agricultural mechanization and digitalization," aimed to match Italian technological offerings with Algerian needs in equipment, irrigation systems, and productivity-enhancing solutions. This initiative follows the Algerian-Italian Business Forum held in Rome in July 2025.
Italian Ambassador to Algeria Alessandra Schiavo emphasized that this initiative aligns with Algeria's agricultural transformation, marked by increased production and expanded cultivated areas, particularly in the southern regions. However, the sector faces challenges such as climate change, water resource management, and modernizing agricultural methods and equipment. Schiavo believes Italian expertise and technology can provide concrete solutions in these areas.
The presence of 13 Italian companies indicates a strong interest in the Algerian market, matched by local operators, with nearly 90 Algerian companies expressing interest in the initiative. Schiavo sees this mobilization as an opportunity for cooperation beyond mere trade, fostering long-term industrial partnerships, knowledge sharing, and collaborations that can generate added value in Algeria.
The Italian companies' visit includes a trip to Blida to meet Algerian actors in agricultural mechanization, production, and marketing of machines and equipment. This aims to bring operators from both countries closer together and promote projects tailored to the Algerian market's needs. The cooperation takes place amid a challenging international context, marked by rising raw material costs, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and climate change impacts on agricultural yields.
Schiavo called for sustained investments in agricultural modernization to improve productivity and contribute to food sovereignty. Algerian-Italian exchanges reached nearly $14.9 billion in 2025, with Algeria's exports standing at $10.84 billion and imports at $4.05 billion, resulting in a $6.79 billion surplus for Algeria. Italy is Algeria's second-largest supplier and its top client.
The Algerian Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion's Deputy Director-General for bilateral commercial relations with European countries, Nesnes Louiza, presented the 2025 trade figures and prospects for developing Algerian exports by 2030. While Algerian exports to Italy are heavily concentrated on energy products, there are opportunities for diversification in fertilizers, steel, cement, and agri-food products.
However, Algerian exports to Italy face obstacles, including protectionist measures, sanitary and veterinary requirements, and technical barriers. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) poses a new challenge for certain sectors. Louiza emphasized the need for more promotion and marketing actions to increase the visibility of Algerian products on the Italian market and explore new opportunities for cooperation and trade.
Key points
- Algeria and Italy are exploring cooperation opportunities in agricultural mechanization and digitalization.
- The two countries' trade reached nearly $14.9 billion in 2025, with Italy being Algeria's top client.
- Algerian exports to Italy are heavily concentrated on energy products, but there is potential for diversification.
