BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- November 16, 2023- In a significant move to streamline investment processes, Algeria has published Law No. 23-17 in the Official Gazette, outlining the conditions and procedures for granting economic land from the state’s private domain for investment projects. This legislation, signed by President Tebboune on November 15, is set to have a profound impact on the country’s investment landscape.
The scope of the law covers economic land within the state’s private domain, encompassing developed areas in industrial zones, activity zones, new city perimeters, expansion zones, tourist sites, technology parks, residual real estate assets of dissolved public enterprises, surplus real estate assets of economic public enterprises, land intended for commercial real estate development, and other developed lands within the state’s private domain.
However, the law explicitly excludes agricultural or agriculturally designated lands within the state’s private domain, lands within mining perimeters, lands within oil and gas exploration and production perimeters, and lands within the perimeters of electrical and gas installations.
Key Provisions and Role of AAPI
The law designates the Algerian Agency for Investment Promotion (AAPI) with a central role in managing and promoting the state’s economic land portfolio for concession purposes. AAPI, through its one-stop-shop for land allocation, is tasked with guiding the orientation of available land for development.
Additionally, AAPI is responsible for maintaining and updating the economic land registry, providing investors with information on real estate availability through its digital investor platform. The agency is empowered to acquire private-status land on behalf of the state, allocate economic land from the state’s private domain to investors through concession agreements, convertible to transfer.
AAPI’s responsibilities extend to monitoring and supporting investors throughout the implementation of their investment projects, contributing to the development of urban planning instruments to express investment needs.
Under the new law, any individual or legal entity, whether national or foreign, resident or non-resident, seeking economic land from the state’s private domain must register their request through AAPI’s digital investor platform, which serves as the “sole and unique means of submission.”
Promoting Transparency and Efficiency
The legislation aligns with Algeria’s efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in the allocation of economic land, providing a clear framework for investors. By leveraging digital platforms and centralizing the process under AAPI, the government aims to attract and facilitate both national and international investments, fostering economic growth and development. The law marks a crucial step in creating a more favorable environment for investment in Algeria.
