Algeria is intensifying its diplomatic and economic engagement with sub-Saharan Africa, marking a strategic shift to reduce its reliance on hydrocarbons. In 2025, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune visited several African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Chad, to strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional stability.
Trade between Algeria and sub-Saharan Africa has grown, with Algerian exports to the region reaching $1.2 billion in 2025, up from $800 million in 2023, according to the Algerian Ministry of Trade. Key exports include construction materials, food products, and pharmaceuticals. Algeria has also increased its investments in African infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy and transport sectors.
This re-engagement is part of Algeria's broader foreign policy to position itself as a key player in African affairs, especially in the Sahel region. Algeria has hosted peace talks and provided mediation in conflicts in Mali and Libya, reinforcing its role as a diplomatic hub.
However, challenges remain, including competition from other regional powers like Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, as well as internal economic constraints. Algeria's economy still heavily depends on oil and gas, which account for over 90% of its export revenues.
