Council of Ministers: President Tebboune Approves Changes in Education, Agriculture, and Industrial Projects

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- The Algerian Council of Ministers, chaired by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, convened to discuss crucial issues across various sectors. The session covered topics such as changes in the education sector, progress updates on the oilseed crushing project in Jijel, and the status of the Plowing-Seeding campaign for the 2023-2024 season. The following highlights were issued:

1. Education Sector Overhaul:

– The Council approved a presentation by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research regarding the status and indemnity regimes for officials in specific bodies within the sector.

2. Oilseed Crushing Project in Jijel:

– President Tebboune affirmed that the Kotama oilseed crushing project in Jijel, which has received significant state support, will enter the production phase in June. This is expected to significantly enhance national production capacities and supply the market with oil.

– Instructions were given to coordinate efforts among government sectors and develop a cohesive vision for utilizing oilseed residues in livestock feed production, with priority given to the National Livestock Feed Office (ONAB) and private cooperatives in Jijel.

– Establishment of pilot farms for oilseed cultivation to monitor the entire production chain, emphasizing a food security strategy.

3. Agricultural Campaign Oversight:

– President Tebboune emphasized the need to support professionals in the agricultural sector by introducing advanced techniques and changing mindsets to generate wealth in this strategic area crucial for national economic development.

– Urged an increase in cereal production per hectare, encouragement of farmers through the utilization of state-provided benefits, and widespread adoption of scientific methods.

– Encouraged agricultural investment in the South, leveraging existing conditions and potential, and expediting the resolution of long-standing cases related to land development, issuing property deeds to beneficiaries.

4. General Directions:

– Commended efforts by the Ministers of Higher Education and Economic Knowledge, Start-ups, and Micro-enterprises for high coordination between their sectors.

– Approved a direct contract for the expansion of the port of Annaba and the construction of a railway at the mineral quay due to the project’s urgent nature.

At the end of the meeting, the Council of Ministers endorsed decrees appointing individuals to high-level state positions.