Algeria's dairy imports decline in early 2026, Baladna project aims for self-sufficiency
via Algérie3603 min read
Algeria's dairy imports saw a significant decrease in the first four months of 2026, with total spending on these supplies reaching approximately $398 million, a 13% year-on-year reduction. This decline was particularly pronounced in skimmed milk powder, which fell by 49% in imported volumes, and processed products like cheeses, which dropped by 53%. In contrast, whole milk powder imports increased by 8% during the same period, now accounting for nearly half of the country's total dairy expenditure. Uruguay remains Algeria's primary partner for whole milk powder, holding 42% of the market share by volume, followed by New Zealand 34% and Argentina 22%. Across all dairy products, the European Union leads as a supplier with 37%, followed by Uruguay 25%, New Zealand 19%, and Argentina 13%. For Uruguay's dairy industry, Algerian demand for whole milk powder is crucial, contributing $249 million to its exports, a 6% increase, and representing 80% of its international volumes. This targeted reduction in imports aligns with Algeria's strategic goal of reducing its import bill and boosting local production. The integrated "Baladna" mega-project in Adrar is central to this strategy, aiming for an annual national production of 100,000 tons of milk powder to achieve self-sufficiency and create around 5,000 jobs, thereby reducing reliance on international markets.
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Aïssa Mandi, the most capped player in the history of the Fennecs, expressed his bitterness following Algeria's 2-0 elimination by Switzerland. He acknowledged the team's strong desire to win and advance, but noted that a quick second goal in the second half sealed their fate after they had tried to equalize in the first. Mandi took full responsibility for the defensive errors, stating that both offensive and defensive inefficiencies were the direct cause of their World Cup exit. He also thanked the angry supporters for their dedication and understanding of their disappointment. Regarding his international future, the 34-year-old defender remained undecided, stating it was difficult to comment immediately after a loss and that his personal situation was not as important as the team's and nation's disappointment. Mandi, who has 122 caps and 8 goals, began his international career in 2014. In contrast, captain Riyad Mahrez announced his international retirement after the match, citing defensive errors as costly at this level. Mahrez concluded his Fennecs career with 40 goals in over 120 appearances and a Cup of Nations title.
Must ReadGlobal food prices saw a slight decrease in June, according to the latest report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO. The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international prices of major food commodities, registered 103.3 points in June, down 0.3% from 103.7 points in May. Despite this monthly decline, the index shows a 1.7% increase year-on-year, indicating that prices remain higher than the same period last year. The monthly decrease was primarily driven by lower prices for sugar, cereals, and dairy products, which offset increases in vegetable oils and meat. The cereal price index fell by 3.5% in June due to lower wheat and maize prices, supported by improved global supply outlooks. Sugar experienced the sharpest decline, with its index dropping 5.7% to 89.7 points, while dairy products decreased by 1.5% to 117.4 points. Conversely, vegetable oils continued their upward trend, reaching 192 points, a 3.8% increase, boosted by rising palm and rapeseed oil prices. Meat prices also rose, albeit more modestly, with the index at 131 points, up 0.4%, setting a new record mainly due to higher poultry prices. Despite the annual increase, the FAO noted that its food price index remains 18.7% below the historical peak reached in March 2022. In a separate report, the FAO maintained its forecast for global cereal production in 2026 at 2.983 billion tonnes, confirming generally favorable supply prospects. For Algeria, the FAO estimates
Algeria's Ministry of National Education has officially launched Summer Camp 2026, an educational and cultural program for Algerian diaspora children aged 8 to 16. Coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth, the initiative will take place across 14 wilayas provinces throughout July and August. The program is structured into three distinct sessions, each combining structured learning with recreational, cultural, and sports activities. Participating wilayas include Algiers, Béjaïa, Annaba, Sétif, Tlemcen, Skikda, Biskra, Chlef, Tiaret, Jijel, El Oued, Khenchela, El Bayadh, and Aïn Témouchent, covering diverse regions of the country. The camp aims to familiarize young participants with Algeria's linguistic, historical, and religious heritage, strengthening their sense of national identity. Activities will focus on language, national history, and cultural traditions through direct experiences, including exploring landscapes, meeting peers, and immersing in local life. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has encouraged Algerian families residing abroad to enroll their children in the program.