Algeria is making a decisive move to strengthen its food sovereignty by addressing a critical challenge: reducing its reliance on powdered milk imports.
In a significant development, the Qatari agro-industry giant Baladna has initiated the first phase of a large-scale project aimed at establishing a fully integrated dairy production system in the country.
According to Algerie360, the ambitious project will mobilize over $500 million to build a comprehensive supply chain—from fodder cultivation to industrial milk processing.
This phase is marked by the signing of multiple contracts with Algerian and international partners, setting the foundation for a transformative venture.
For years, Algeria has been heavily dependent on importing powdered milk to meet domestic demand, a factor weighing heavily on the nation’s trade balance.
This project reflects a strategic shift towards developing local agricultural capacity, particularly in vital consumer goods such as milk.
By fostering a homegrown production chain, Algeria aims not only to enhance self-sufficiency but also to create jobs, facilitate the transfer of expertise, and modernize its agricultural infrastructure.
The partnership with Baladna promises technical and technological collaboration that could bring lasting benefits to the country’s entire dairy sector.
Beyond immediate food security, this initiative is a cornerstone of Algeria’s broader economic diversification agenda. With the nation’s revenues still predominantly reliant on hydrocarbons, agribusiness is increasingly seen as a key driver to build a more resilient and diversified economy.
By attracting international investment into agriculture, Algerian authorities are working to secure a sustainable future and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
This $500 million investment in dairy production marks a pivotal step in Algeria’s journey towards economic transformation and food independence, with the potential to reshape the nation’s agricultural landscape for decades to come.
About The Author
