Algeria launches 40 export shipments, with Tindouf as key hub in push towards West African markets

Algeria has initiated a coordinated export drive spanning three wilayas, marking an operational step in its strategy to expand non-hydrocarbon exports and deepen trade links with African and international markets.

The initiative was overseen from Tindouf by Abdessalem Djahnit, acting Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, representing Minister Kamel Rezig, alongside the wali of Tindouf, Mustapha Dahou. Conducted partly via videoconference, the launch brought together ministerial officials, diplomats and economic operators.

In the first phase, export operations were triggered from Blida and Ain Temouchent, covering seven shipments carried out by Algerian companies active in diversified sectors. The consignments included cosmetics, food and beverages, agricultural products—particularly olive oil—and pharmaceutical supplies such as medical and surgical gloves, destined for Mauritania as well as European and Arab markets. Local authorities in Blida supervised implementation on the ground.

The operation drew the presence of accredited ambassadors from Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritania and Ghana, alongside members of parliament and local administrative and security officials. Participating firms reflected a broad industrial base, underscoring Algeria’s growing capacity to access external markets.

In the second phase, officials inaugurated the Exhibition of Algerian Export-Oriented Products and Services, held in Tindouf under the theme “Tindouf, a Gateway to West African Markets” from April 24 to 27, 2026. The event gathers 104 national companies across industrial and productive sectors, highlighting accelerating momentum in export diversification. The official delegation toured the exhibition, reviewing product offerings and exploring partnership opportunities with African counterparts.

The third phase focused on the Tindouf Free Trade Zone project, where detailed briefings outlined its role as a future logistics and commercial hub aimed at facilitating intra-African trade and accelerating the flow of Algerian exports into regional markets.

In the fourth phase, authorities launched 33 additional export shipments from Tindouf to Mauritania, involving 10 economic operators. The consignments covered construction materials, food products, dates, plastics and household appliances, reflecting expanding industrial output and export readiness.

In total, 40 export shipments were executed in a single day—six from Blida, one from Ain Temouchent and 33 from Tindouf—carried out by 17 operators. Officials also highlighted the strategic role of the Mustapha Ben Boulaid border crossing in facilitating trade flows between Algeria and West Africa.

The multi-stage operation marks a shift from policy signalling to execution, positioning Tindouf and cross-border corridors as core instruments of Algeria’s export strategy—and testing its ability to scale non-hydrocarbon trade at speed.