Algeria's "Biladna Algeria" company is pushing forward with its ambitious integrated project to produce dried milk powder, with total investments estimated at $3.5 billion. The project aims to produce 200,000 tons of dried milk powder annually, which would cover around 50% of the country's needs and reduce import bills. As part of the agricultural expansion in Adrar province, 360 hectares have been cultivated, while work is ongoing to cultivate an additional 420 hectares and 450 hectares are being prepared for cultivation.
The project involves introducing new irrigation systems, with 11 new irrigation axes added as part of a program aiming to reach 70,000 hectares and 1,400 irrigation axes in Adrar. The project is considered a significant contributor to enhancing food security and reducing reliance on imports. The agricultural activities are being developed in partnership with the Algerian government, represented by the National Investment Fund. The project covers an area of 117,000 hectares.
The company is preparing to receive 30,000 Holstein Friesian cows from the United States, with the first shipments expected in November 2026. The cows will be transported over 10 months via 109 flights from nine US states. This is part of the second phase of the project, which includes civil works, construction of a concrete plant, and provision of accommodation and services. The contracts for this phase are valued at over $635 million.
The project's success is contingent on several factors, including the suitability of the imported breeds for the desert climate, availability of rich green fodder and sufficient water, and a modern hygiene and health monitoring system. According to agricultural expert Lahlou Boukhalfa, these conditions are crucial to ensuring the health of the cattle and their productivity levels.
In parallel with the agricultural expansion and industrial preparations, "Biladna Algeria" is continuing its efforts to attract talent through its "Talent Caravan" recruitment campaign. The campaign has already visited several provinces and arrived in Djelfa on October 11, 2026. The campaign aims to collect resumes from those interested in joining the project, with over 1,000 job opportunities available in three main areas.
The job opportunities are in cattle breeding and milk production, crop production, and engineering and manufacturing in the dairy sector. The company has stated that the process at the University of Ziane Achour in Djelfa is only for collecting resumes and does not involve interviews with candidates. The project is expected to provide direct and seasonal employment opportunities in various sectors.
The project is expected to significantly impact Algeria's economy, particularly in terms of food security and import bills. The country currently imports around 400,000 tons of milk powder annually, and the "Biladna Algeria" project aims to cover nearly half of this demand. The project's development is being closely watched, with various stakeholders interested in its progress and potential outcomes.
Key points
- Algeria's "Biladna Algeria" company is investing $3.5 billion in an integrated dairy project to produce 200,000 tons of dried milk powder annually.
- The project involves agricultural expansion, industrial production, and job creation, with over 1,000 employment opportunities available.
- The project aims to enhance food security, reduce reliance on imports, and contribute to the country's economic growth.
