The Algerian government, led by Prime Minister Aïmeur Benbitour, held a meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to review several key files related to the country's food supply, agricultural production, and water security. The meeting aimed to ensure a stable food market, support agricultural production, and improve water resources management. The government discussed measures to regulate the market, protect purchasing power, and guarantee the availability of essential goods.
The government reviewed the current state of food supply in the country, focusing on basic agricultural and food products. They examined the organizational and operational measures taken to address the social rentrée, a period of significant social and economic activity. These measures include a multi-level approach that emphasizes anticipation, vigilance, and monitoring of market developments. The goal is to control the market, protect purchasing power, and ensure the availability of stocks.
In addition to market regulation, the government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and accompanying producers throughout the production and marketing stages. This support aims to increase national production capacity and enhance its contribution to meeting domestic market needs. The government also emphasized the importance of expanding digital coverage across the country to enable early intervention in case of market disruptions.
The meeting also addressed the country's infrastructure development, particularly the preparation for a strategic railway project connecting the Mila, In Salah, and Tamanrasset regions. This project aligns with the President's directives during the Council of Ministers meeting on September 6, 2026. The government stressed the need to accelerate technical and executive preparations to meet the specified deadlines and target the launch of the line by the end of 2028.
The new railway line is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and mobility between southern regions, supporting economic activity, and optimizing the region's available potential. This project is part of a broader effort to expand the national railway network and improve transportation infrastructure. The government highlighted the importance of this project in promoting economic development and improving the quality of life for citizens in southern Algeria.
In the water resources sector, the government reviewed the implementation of several projects aimed at enhancing water security. The Minister of Water Resources presented an update on the complementary works for connecting the seawater desalination plant in El Tarf. These works aim to optimize the plant's capacity and improve the drinking water supply service for residents in El Tarf, Annaba, Skikda, and Guelma provinces.
The government also discussed the project to build a canal to transfer raw water and connect the Oued Djedi dam to the Ain Dalia dam in Souk Ahras province. This project is expected to contribute to securing and ensuring a stable drinking water supply for residents in several municipalities in the province. The government's agenda reflects its focus on three parallel tracks: securing food supplies, supporting local production, and accelerating infrastructure projects in the south.
Key points
- The Algerian government is working to improve food security, water resources management, and transportation infrastructure.
- A strategic railway project connecting southern regions is underway, with a target completion date of 2028.
- The government aims to enhance water security through various projects, including seawater desalination and water transfer canals.
