Algeria Seeks to Become an Investment ‘Gateway’ in Africa

Meeting at the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit (Russian Presidency)
Meeting at the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit (Russian Presidency)
TT

Algeria Seeks to Become an Investment ‘Gateway’ in Africa

Meeting at the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit (Russian Presidency)
Meeting at the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit (Russian Presidency)

Algeria pledged during the Second Russia-Africa Summit, which concluded its work in St. Petersburg, to become an investment gateway for Russian investors to enter the continent.

It advocated for a solid and profitable African-Russian partnership for both parties and the emergence of a fair international system.

The Algerian Prime Minister, Aymen Benabderrahmane, affirmed on the summit's sidelines that his country's positive development indicators in recent years make it the gateway to Africa within the strategic partnership with Russia.

Benabderrahmane pointed out that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's visit to Russia in mid-June pushed the bilateral relations further.

During the visit, the two countries launched a strategic partnership covering many sectors, including renewable energies.

On Thursday, Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov announced a partnership with Algeria to produce two million cubic meters of gas daily, starting in 2026.

Shulginov said that Gazprom plans to start the production of hydrocarbons in the el-Assel area in Algeria in 2026.

Benabderrahmane stated that Algeria and Moscow are working on an approach developed by the two Presidents to move towards consolidating a deep partnership, noting that his country is Russia's second trading partner in Africa.

The PM stressed that the most crucial indicator recorded by the Algerian economy is the rise in per capita income to $4,800, while the gross domestic product was estimated at $255 billion, with a growth rate that may exceed five percent in 2023.

He explained that the positive indicators resulted from the economic dynamism, including the state measures and the new investment law, which approved projects worth more than $7.2 billion and will enable the creation of 50,000 jobs.

In a meeting with Algerian investors at an economic exhibition in St. Petersburg, the Prime Minister discussed investing in various sectors and opportunities offered by the national economy, especially in services.

He referred to Algeria's outstanding capabilities, especially in tourism and digital technologies, which create wealth and jobs, stressing that authorities took several incentive measures in favor of exporting institutions.

Officials in Algeria aspire to reach $13 billion in non-hydrocarbon exports, and the government aims to use food, agricultural, and start-up companies to increase exports.

At the summit, Benabderrahmane read a speech on behalf of Tebboune stating that Algeria looks forward to building a strong African-Russian, mutually beneficial partnership for the emergence of a just international order that respects the principles of international law and multilateralism.

Algeria is making significant efforts to support development in the continent, especially in reducing indebtedness and developing infrastructure in many of its countries, said the Prime Minister, noting that lowering debt allows African countries to overcome a significant obstacle and benefit from new funds.



Israeli Airstrike Kills 10 in Gaza, Including 3 Children

Smoke rises from an Israeli strike as the Israeli military conducts operations inside the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, January 1, 2025. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Smoke rises from an Israeli strike as the Israeli military conducts operations inside the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, January 1, 2025. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
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Israeli Airstrike Kills 10 in Gaza, Including 3 Children

Smoke rises from an Israeli strike as the Israeli military conducts operations inside the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, January 1, 2025. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Smoke rises from an Israeli strike as the Israeli military conducts operations inside the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, January 1, 2025. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Palestinian officials say an Israeli airstrike has killed 10 people in the Gaza Strip, including three children and two high-ranking officers in the Hamas-run police force.
The strike early Thursday hit a tent in an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone known as Muwasi, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people are sheltering in tents during the cold and rainy winter, The Associated Press said.
It killed three children, three women and four men, according to the Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies.
Among the dead were Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Salah, general director of the Gaza police, and his deputy, Brig. Gen. Hossam Shahwan, according to hospital records.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.
The Hamas-run government in Gaza included tens of thousands of police who maintained a high level of public order before the outbreak of the war.
The police have largely vanished from the streets in many areas after being targeted by Israel, contributing to the breakdown of law and order that has hindered the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid.
But residents say plainclothes Hamas security men still patrol much of the territory, and the group has faced no significant internal challenge nearly 15 months into the devastating war sparked by its Oct. 7, 2023 attack into Israel.
Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 that day. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.
Israel’s offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials, who say women and children make up more than half the fatalities. The officials do not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their tally.