Algeria

The Algerian insurance market is underdeveloped by regional standards, with penetration particularly low in the life segment; however, the sector has witnessed strong expansion in recent years. Life insurers have posted especially robust growth since early 2013, and companies are seeking to develop new niches, such as health insurance, targeted at individuals....

Having been launched a decade and a half ago, Algeria’s stock market remains modest in size, with a market capitalisation equivalent to around just 0.1% of GDP – a result in part of the country’s surplus liquidity and accessible bank lending.

Consumption patterns in Algeria are beginning to shift towards modern retail, supported by rising income levels and greater exposure to formal shopping outlets and international brands. Small neighbourhood stores and the informal sector still account for the majority of retail turnover, but in recent years several domestic chains have expanded their footprint....

THE COMPANY: Alliance Assurances is a joint stock company founded in December 2004 by a consortium of Algerian investors with an initial capital of AD500m (€4.7m); however, the company did not officially begin operations until 2006. In 2007, Alliance Assurances inaugurated a commercial development programme, which led to a 178%...

Access to finance can be difficult in any emerging market, as indicated by low levels of financial intermediation in the Middle East and Africa, and Algeria is no exception. For small businesses and households, which often face the greatest challenges in accessing credit, lending levels are low in Algeria, even by regional standards. Yet credit to the private sector has...