Algeria is preparing to relaunch one of the Maghreb’s most significant industrial projects, as China cements its role as a critical economic partner in the region.
The Djelfa cement plant—once stalled—is now set to be completed under renewed bilateral cooperation, signaling a broader push toward Algerian industrial self-reliance and strategic growth.
Since 2022, China has registered more than 42 investment projects in Algeria, with a combined value surpassing $4.5 billion, according to Omar Rekkache, Director of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI).
At the heart of this portfolio is the Djelfa cement complex, a $360 million facility designed to produce 3 million tons of cement annually.
Algeria’s Minister of Industry, Saïfi Ghrieb, recently conducted a high-level inspection of the site in Aïn El Ibel, where he underscored the project’s priority status within President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s national economic recovery strategy.
The minister’s visit focused on evaluating technical and financial progress and clearing final hurdles in the project’s execution.
A follow-up coordination meeting brought together stakeholders from both Algeria and China, including representatives of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).
One of the key outcomes was the decision to appoint a specialized expert to reassess the project’s existing infrastructure and determine what is required to bring the complex into full operation.
Under the agreed partnership, Algeria’s public sector group GICA will hold a 51% majority stake, while CSCEC will retain the remaining 49%. The financial structure is designed not only to expedite the plant’s commissioning but also to facilitate knowledge transfer and foster local industrial expertise.
Set across 100 hectares, the plant is expected to generate 350 direct jobs and over 700 indirect positions, bolstering employment and regional development.
Beyond its economic implications, the Djelfa project represents a broader effort by Algeria to reclaim industrial assets and reduce dependence on imports.
By strengthening national production capacity and revitalizing critical infrastructure, Algeria aims to assert itself as a leading player in the regional industrial landscape—backed by an increasingly influential Chinese partnership.
About The Author
