Algerian President accelerates two strategic megaprojects: integrated phosphate and trans-Saharan railway

Key officials present included Prime Minister Saïfi Ghrieb, Minister of State for Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Finance Abdelkrim Bouzered, Bank of Algeria Governor Mohamed Lamine Lebbou, and Sonatrach CEO Noureddine Daoudi. The meeting addressed the integrated phosphate project, which will produce ammonia, urea, and phosphatic and nitrogenous fertilizers. This project is slated to begin production in the first quarter of 2027, coinciding with the completion of the Annaba port expansion, enabling phosphate exports.

Additionally, the President set September 2026 as the launch date for construction of the trans-Saharan railway line connecting Algiers to Tamanrasset. To expedite completion, the project will be divided into three simultaneous construction sites: Ouargla to In Salah, In Salah to Tamanrasset, and Tamanrasset to In Salah. This intersectoral coordination, involving financial, industrial, and local authorities, aims to ensure timely execution of these projects, which are deemed vital for Algeria's economic sovereignty and the development of its southern regions.