Skechers Chooses Algeria for First African Manufacturing Site in Major Footwear Investment
BY Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS – U.S. footwear brand Skechers has selected Algeria as the location for its first manufacturing facility in Africa, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to expand its industrial base, reduce imports and position itself as a regional export hub.
The partnership agreement was signed on Sunday under the supervision of Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion Kamel Rezig during a ceremony attended by representatives of the American company and officials from Algerian footwear manufacturer Tradifoot.
The Skechers delegation included Douglas Parker, Vice President for Finance, and Daniel Levy, Vice President for International Sales.
Discussions focused on the establishment of the brand’s first production unit on the African continent, a project that Algerian authorities say will strengthen the country’s position as a strategic industrial platform for international manufacturers.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rezig said the project aligns with Algeria’s strategy of promoting competitive local production and reducing reliance on imports through the attraction of productive foreign investment and partnerships with leading global brands.
He added that Skechers’ decision to establish its first African factory in Algeria reflects growing international confidence in the country’s business environment and the economic reforms introduced to diversify the national economy and expand domestic manufacturing capacity.
The partnership agreement was signed by Douglas Parker on behalf of Skechers and Djamel Ramoul, Chief Executive Officer of Tradifoot.
According to the terms of the agreement, the manufacturing facility is expected to begin operations during the first quarter of 2027 with an annual production capacity of approximately two million pairs of shoes.
The project is expected to achieve a local integration rate of 40%, contributing to the development of Algeria’s industrial ecosystem while reducing import dependency.
The agreement also provides for the training of Algerian workers by Skechers specialists to facilitate the transfer of technology, expertise and international manufacturing standards within the footwear industry.
During the initial phase, production will be directed towards meeting domestic demand. Beginning in the second year of operations, part of the output is expected to be exported to African markets, reinforcing Algeria’s ambitions to become a regional manufacturing and export platform.
The project represents one of the most significant foreign industrial investments in Algeria’s footwear sector in recent years and highlights the country’s increasing appeal to international manufacturers seeking to expand their presence in Africa.
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