
Former Minister of Water Resources, Arezki Berraki, along with former and current directors-general of the National Agency for Dams and Transfers ANBT, and other individuals, are on trial for corruption. The case centers on the reinforcement project for the Medjez B'gar dam in Guelma, which allegedly caused a loss of nearly 600 billion centimes to the public treasury. The investigation, conducted by the regional judicial police service of Algiers, revealed that the project, initially estimated at 130 billion centimes, was awarded to a private company for over 580 billion centimes. This significant increase was due to three controversial amendments that substantially exceeded the initial contract amount and were not properly agreed upon. These amendments changed the project from a simple reinforcement to a dam elevation, with one amendment alone exceeding 230 billion centimes and another over 75 billion. Five defendants, including former Minister Arezki Berraki, who had a previous 10-year prison sentence in another case, and two former ANBT directors-general, have been placed in provisional detention. Four others are under judicial supervision. The accused face charges including abuse of office, influence peddling, embezzlement of public funds, and granting undue advantages in public procurement. The owner of the beneficiary company is also being prosecuted for inciting officials to abuse their influence, obtaining unjustified advantages, participating in the embezzlement of p
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Must ReadAlgeria is projected to maintain its position as the fourth-largest economy in Africa by 2031, with an estimated GDP of $328 billion, according to an April 2026 report from the International Monetary Fund IMF. In 2025, Algeria's GDP was estimated at $285.72 billion. However, the report highlights a significant disparity in growth rates compared to other African nations. Over a six-year period, Algeria's economy is expected to grow by only 14.67%, which is the slowest rate among the top African economies. In contrast, Ethiopia is projected to see a 122% increase, the Democratic Republic of Congo an 89% increase, and Egypt an 83% increase. The IMF report attributes Algeria's slow progression and persistent reliance on hydrocarbons, which account for 95% of its export revenues, making its GDP vulnerable to global market fluctuations. The report also points out the challenge of economic statistics, noting a significant gap between the official exchange rate 1 USD = 132.29 DZD and the parallel market rate 1 USD ≈ 238 DZD. If assessed using the parallel market rate, Algeria's national wealth for 2025 would be $158 billion, considerably lower than the official figure. Despite these challenges, the report identifies potential for industrial resilience through large-scale projects, such as a $2.5 billion investment in the steel industry in Oran and the exploitation of the Gara Djebilet iron deposit. These initiatives could alter future projections if industrial integration accelerates
Must ReadTosyali Holding, a Turkish industrial giant, is investing $2.5 billion to expand its Bethioua complex in Algeria, aiming to transform it into a major global steel hub. This investment seeks to increase production capacity and supply essential components to Algeria's automotive and energy industries. Tosyali, which has risen from 84th to 46th globally in four years, intends for this expansion to help it enter the "Top 20" steel producers worldwide. The group's president, Fuat Tosyali, outlined plans to increase annual production from 6.5 million to 10 million tons within 30 months, with daily output doubling to 100,000 tons. This growth will be supported by iron ore from Gara Djebilet, with initial deliveries already supplying the Oran site and a processing unit in Béchar with an initial capacity of 2 million tons per year planned. Tosyali Algeria is also shifting towards high-value-added products, with a new galvanized steel unit set to meet local automotive industry needs. By the third quarter of 2026, 700,000 tons of flat steel from a total capacity of 1.6 million tons will be dedicated to car manufacturers in Algeria, aiming to boost the national integration rate for "Made in Algeria" vehicles. The household appliance and energy sectors, including gas and oil pipelines, are also priority markets. Additionally, Tosyali is collaborating with Sonatrach on a green hydrogen production project to progressively decarbonize steel production, ensuring the competitiveness of Algeria
Must ReadRiyad Mahrez has further cemented his place in football history by winning the Asian Champions League with Al-Ahli SC, securing his 17th career title. This achievement positions him as the third most decorated African player in history, trailing only Samuel Eto'o and Yaya Touré, and surpassing other legends like Didier Drogba and Seydou Keita. At 34, the former Manchester City player continues to demonstrate exceptional competitiveness and influence at the highest level. With two more seasons on his contract, Mahrez has the opportunity to potentially become the most titled African player ever, a testament to his longevity and ambition. Following his continental success, Mahrez addressed Algerian supporters, expressing his appreciation and promising more emotions at the upcoming World Cup. Having been a developing substitute in the 2014 World Cup, Mahrez is now set to approach the next global event as an indispensable leader both on and off the field, embodying the hopes of a nation with his experience, talent, and sense of responsibility.

Air Canada has announced the temporary suspension of its direct Montreal-Algiers route for the summer 2026 season, with operations expected to resume in 2027. The airline attributes this decision to a network re-evaluation aimed at ensuring the economic viability of its routes. This move also follows a worsening jet fuel crisis, exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which occurred after military interventions in Iran in February, has significantly impacted the aviation industry by doubling the price of aviation fuel in one year and leading to a global supply shortage. Consequently, airlines are reducing flight capacities, driving up prices. Air Canada had initially planned to resume direct flights from June 1, 2026, with four weekly frequencies. However, this program has been suspended. Travelers will now need to consider connecting flights through other international hubs, or rely on Air Algérie for direct long-haul travel on this route.