The Director-General of Algeria's Agence Algérienne de Promotion de l'Investissement (AAPI), Omar Rekkache, presented Algeria's experience in reforming its investment system at the 2026 Global Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar. The forum, which took place from October 25 to 27, focused on the role of investment promotion agencies and special economic zones in facilitating a new era of investment. Rekkache highlighted Algeria's efforts to improve the business environment and enhance the country's attractiveness to investors.
Rekkache emphasized that the current global investment landscape requires more than just attracting foreign capital. He stressed the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of projects, promoting their entry into operation, and establishing integrated productive ecosystems that generate sustainable value-added for host economies. To achieve this, Algeria has undertaken reforms, including modernizing its legal framework for investment, digitalizing services, simplifying administrative procedures, and facilitating access to economic land.
The AAPI Director-General outlined the country's institutional framework for promoting and supporting investment. He explained that the AAPI is responsible for promoting Algeria as an investment destination, targeting potential investors, and developing partnerships. Meanwhile, the National One-Stop Shop for Investment handles procedures and decisions related to investment projects. This division of tasks aims to combine prospecting and promotion actions with the necessary administrative mechanisms to implement projects efficiently.
Rekkache also discussed the importance of special economic zones (SEZs) as integrated productive ecosystems. He emphasized the need for SEZs to have adapted infrastructure, reliable energy supply, efficient logistics services, and qualified human skills. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of integrating SEZs into the national economy by developing relationships with local suppliers, inserting them into value chains, and connecting them to international markets.
The success of SEZs, according to Rekkache, should not be measured solely by the investments they attract. Rather, it should also be evaluated by their ability to strengthen links with the national economy, develop local subcontracting, transfer technology, increase exports, and diversify production. This approach will ensure that SEZs contribute effectively to Algeria's economic growth and development.
Rekkache also addressed the evaluation criteria for investment promotion agencies. He argued that the number of registered projects and announced investment amounts are not sufficient to measure the effectiveness of promotion policies. Instead, he advocated for an approach that focuses on concrete economic outcomes, including the number of projects that have entered production, the value-added created, jobs generated, technology transfer, and contributions to export development.
The Algerian delegation's participation in the Global Investment Forum demonstrates the country's commitment to promoting its investment opportunities and enhancing its business environment. By sharing its experience and expertise, Algeria aims to attract more investors and strengthen its position as a competitive investment destination in the region.
Key points
- Algeria's AAPI presents its investment reform experience at the 2026 Global Investment Forum in Doha.
- The country has undertaken reforms to improve its business environment and enhance its attractiveness to investors.
- The AAPI Director-General emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to evaluating investment promotion policies.
