Algeria

Algeria’s economy has performed well over the past decade, often in the shadow of global uncertainty. Sensible macroeconomic policies, especially in managing oil and gas revenues cautiously, have helped Algeria navigate the global crisis as well as regional disruptions. Yet the goal of continued stability — and certainly the hope for more...

While still at an early phase of development, with few listed securities, Algeria’s capital markets are set to see a host of new listings. The exchange’s second initial public offering (IPO) of a private company took place in June 2013 (the first was in 2011), with several other firms expected to follow suit. The government is also working on a plan...

The continuous process of upgrading existing infrastructure is helping Algeria to open up its economy as it diversifies activities away from hydrocarbons, and has delivered a boost to contractors and construction firms, particularly in the private sector. Overall, Algerian authorities are set to invest €222bn between 2009 and 2014, involving...

The $286bn that Algeria has set aside for infrastructure development under the current five-year development plan, which runs through 2015, has already had a sizable impact not only in terms of network capacity, but also on operational efficiency nationwide. New highways have been built, new tramways have begun operations, travel times are...

Algeria’s trade patterns have long been quite stable, with exports relying overwhelmingly (97%) on hydrocarbons and trade with the EU accounting for roughly half of the total. Bolstered by still-high oil prices into the first half of 2013, Algeria maintains beneficial terms of trade that allow it to run a consistent surplus.

After decades of heavy dependence on hydrocarbons exports, Algeria has been working to increase value-added activity and local manufacturing, reduce its import bill, provide a buffer against commodity volatility and create more employment opportunities.