🇩🇿AlgeriaNorth Africa
Baladna project: first American cows to arrive in November 2026 for Algeria's powdered milk production
via Algérie3602 min read
The Baladna project, central to Algeria's food security ambitions, has entered a concrete phase with the official signing of the second phase of implementation contracts on April 23, 2026. This event took place at the "Abdelatif Rahal" International Conference Center, supervised by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yacine El Mahdi Oualid. This new series of agreements, totaling over $635 million, was concluded with several Algerian and international partners specializing in services, construction, and livestock. The focus is primarily on the agricultural and industrial hub in the Adrar wilaya, aimed at massive powdered milk production. The director of "Baladna Algeria" emphasized that this second package of contracts is a "pivotal step," preparing the ground for livestock establishment and the deployment of actual production capacities. These agreements cover civil engineering, earthworks, irrigation system installation, construction of a concrete plant, as well as accommodation infrastructure and logistical support services. A key announcement was the acquisition of livestock, with the dairy cow import program officially launching in November 2026. An exceptional logistical operation will be deployed: an airlift spanning ten months will transport 30,000 cows via 109 regular flights, with 300 animals per trip. These animals, selected according to stringent genetic and sanitary standards, will originate from nine different American states. The objective is to
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A corruption case involving 21 defendants, including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion and economic operators, is being heard by the Dar El Beïda correctional court. The public prosecutor has requested prison sentences ranging from four to ten years, depending on the involvement of each individual. Twelve defendants, including five women and several ministry employees, have been placed in pre-trial detention, while others are under judicial supervision. The prosecution has sought four years in prison and a fine of 200,000 dinars for several defendants accused of influence peddling. The main defendant, a secretary in the ministry's cabinet, faces a seven-year prison sentence and a one million dinar fine. Other officials could receive five years for abuse of office and exploitation of influence. The investigation uncovered an organized system of favoritism and illegal facilitation for certain economic operators. The main defendant allegedly used WhatsApp to communicate with colleagues and businessmen to expedite case processing in exchange for financial compensation, with amounts ranging from 100,000 to 250,000 dinars. The Ministry of Foreign Trade, as a civil party, is seeking 10 million dinars in compensation for damages. The case began in September 2025 following a report to the national gendarmerie, which led to the recovery of the main suspect's phone and crucial evidence.
Mohamed Seghir Saâdaoui, the Algerian Minister of National Education, confirmed that a reform of the current educational programs and system is under consideration by the Directorate General of Education. Speaking at the launch of the baccalaureate exams for the June 2026 session, the Minister clarified the future direction of Algerian schooling. He reviewed various pedagogical models globally, noting that some countries focus on fundamental subjects while others use a coefficient system. However, Saâdaoui defended the Algerian model, stating that its current program and system have achieved a respectable level recognized internationally. He emphasized that there is no intention to abandon past achievements, warning that it is not easy to relinquish the country's current standing by adopting a different program. The Minister concluded that this pursuit of stability does not prevent necessary improvements and adjustments to the current program, indicating a path toward gradual modernization rather than abrupt change. The baccalaureate exams were launched from Tizi Ouzou, a region the Minister praised for consistently achieving top national results. He attributed these exceptional performances to efforts within its schools and called for educational institutions to organize twinning sessions between different wilayas to exchange expertise and share successful experiences. By choosing Tizi Ouzou for the launch, the Ministry aimed to motivate education directorates nationwide to
The U.S. Embassy in Algeria recently convened key national agricultural and industrial stakeholders to discuss optimizing oilseed processing and developing the animal feed sector. This initiative, a technical seminar titled "Optimizing Oilseed Processing and Animal Feed Production," marks a further step in strengthening economic ties between Algiers and Washington. The event involved leading institutions such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA, the U.S. Soybean Export Council USSEC, the Soybean Innovation Lab, and the University of Missouri. This collaboration occurs amidst a significant increase in agricultural trade, with U.S. soybean exports to Algeria more than doubling between 2025 and 2026, driven by growing local demand for livestock feed. Mark Schapiro, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires, stated that high-quality, sustainable U.S. soybeans contribute to Algeria's food security goals by supporting its poultry and livestock sectors and generating demand for local processing facilities. Over the course of a week, American and Algerian experts will share knowledge and promote industrial innovation through technical discussions and best practice sharing. The objective is to enhance Algeria's capabilities in oilseed crushing and animal feed manufacturing. This event underscores the strong, long-standing relationship between the United States and Algeria, highlighting their joint efforts to ensure agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable economic growth.