Algerian–Danish Partnership to Localise Biotechnologies and Strengthen Health Sovereignty
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS, June 16 — Algeria and Denmark have launched a strategic health cooperation initiative aimed at localising biotechnology and strengthening pharmaceutical sovereignty during the inaugural edition of the Danish Health Alliance, held on Monday at the Aurassi Hotel in Algiers.
The event, the first of its kind in Algeria, brought together public and private stakeholders from both countries to deepen industrial and technical cooperation in the healthcare sector, with a particular focus on transferring Danish expertise in biotechnology and expanding local production capabilities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Danish Ambassador to Algeria Katrine From Høyer said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to reinforcing bilateral cooperation in a strategic sector.
“This initiative is part of our common determination to strengthen cooperation in the healthcare sector and to bring together public and private stakeholders around a shared objective: exchanging expertise, sharing experiences and exploring new partnership opportunities between our two countries,” she said.
The ambassador expressed optimism that the discussions would pave the way for sustainable and ambitious projects, adding that bilateral relations are expected to continue developing in a climate of mutual trust.
On the Algerian side, Saidal Group Chief Executive Officer Mourad Belkhelfa outlined what he described as a “radical transformation” of the state-owned pharmaceutical group, highlighting its evolution from a producer of generic medicines into a biotechnology-focused industrial player.
Belkhelfa said Saidal is pursuing advanced biotechnology projects through technology transfer agreements with leading international laboratories aimed at producing innovative molecules and developing high-value medical solutions.
He announced that a rapid diagnostic testing production unit is scheduled to be inaugurated later this week, alongside the establishment of the Algerian Institute for Cellular and Gene Therapy (IATCG), which aims to localise advanced treatments such as CAR-T cell therapies for complex cancers.
According to Belkhelfa, these initiatives form part of a broader strategy to position Algeria as a regional centre for pharmaceutical innovation and advanced therapies.
He also described Saidal’s partnership with Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk as a model strategic alliance centred on the local production of next-generation insulin products.
The Saidal chief executive confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with additional international partners, including a major German biotechnology group, with further details expected to be announced in the near future.
Novo Nordisk Algeria Managing Director Dr. Amine Dahaoui highlighted the company’s four-decade presence in Algeria, noting that the country is among only 13 worldwide hosting Novo Nordisk production facilities.
He said cooperation with Saidal is built on a shared vision to localise next-generation insulin manufacturing, describing the partnership as a model for future strategic collaborations in advanced therapeutics.
Officials said the broader objective of these partnerships is to position Algeria as a leading biotechnology hub in Africa through major structural projects, technology transfer and long-term investment in scientific innovation.
Participants concluded that the initiative extends beyond commercial considerations, representing a direct response to national healthcare priorities and a concrete step toward strengthening Algeria’s long-term health sovereignty and technological capabilities.
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