The Algerian government has announced that it will receive a 200-hectare free trade zone with Mauritania in the Tindouf province by the end of 2026. The zone, located near the "Mustafa Ben Boulaïd" border crossing, is expected to be a strategic hub for Algerian exports to West African markets. The project, which was launched in 2024 by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, aims to reduce transportation costs and facilitate access to African markets.
The free trade zone will feature six large warehouses, exhibition spaces, a customs monitoring center, a logistics base, and an administrative building that will house customs, banking, and insurance services. The zone will also have service, security, and health facilities. According to Algerian Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, Kamal Razik, the project is nearly complete, with a decree currently being prepared to establish a public institution to manage the free zone.
The Algerian government is counting on the free trade zone to boost its exports outside of hydrocarbons, which reached $5.16 billion in 2025. The country plans to establish similar zones with Tunisia, Libya, Mali, and Niger. Algeria and Mauritania have been strengthening their economic ties, including the launch of a maritime line for transporting goods and the signing of preferential customs and trade agreements.
The free trade zone project is part of Algeria's efforts to diversify its economy and increase its presence in African markets. The zone is expected to create new opportunities for Algerian businesses and help to increase the country's exports. According to Razik, the project will also help to strengthen economic cooperation between Algeria and Mauritania.
The construction of the free trade zone has been ongoing, with an 83.13% completion rate reported in April. The zone is expected to be operational soon, although no official date has been announced. The project has been hailed as a strategic development for Algeria and Mauritania, and is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy.
Algeria and Mauritania have been working to strengthen their economic ties in recent years. The two countries have signed several agreements aimed at promoting trade and investment, including a preferential trade agreement and a cooperation agreement in the field of customs. The free trade zone is expected to be a key component of this cooperation.
The delivery of the free trade zone is expected to take place before the end of 2026, marking an important milestone in the economic cooperation between Algeria and Mauritania. The zone is expected to play a significant role in promoting trade and economic growth in the region, and will help to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.
Key points
- The free trade zone will be a 200-hectare hub near the Mauritania border, aiming to boost Algerian exports to West African markets.
