Uganda Signs $200 Million Investment Deal with Algeria to Boost Coffee and Cocoa Processing
Algiers — A major investment agreement worth $200 million has been signed between Algeria’s state-owned AGROLOG Group, specializing in agri-food and logistics industries, and Uganda’s Abassi Group, marking a significant step toward strengthening industrial cooperation between the two African nations.
The deal, signed on Tuesday in Algiers, focuses on the processing of coffee and cocoa and aims to meet Algeria’s domestic demand while channeling surplus production toward export markets.
The signing ceremony, which also included several other partnership agreements between Algerian and African companies, was presided over by Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion Kamel Rezig, in the presence of Kamel Moula, President of the Algerian Council for Economic Renewal (CREA).
Coffee and Cocoa Processing: New Avenues for Industrial Cooperation
During the ceremony, Mohamed Betraoui, CEO of AGROLOG, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, which is expected to enhance Algeria’s food industry capacity and create new export opportunities.
“The processing capacity will reach 60,000 tonnes per year, while Algeria’s domestic needs do not exceed 20,000 tonnes,” Betraoui said. “The surplus will be directed to international markets.”
The Ugandan partner, Abassi Group, which specializes in the production and processing of coffee and cocoa, will supply equipment and raw materials to Algeria for local transformation into cocoa powder and paste, as well as roasted and processed coffee products.
This collaboration, officials say, reflects a growing effort among African countries to develop intra-African industrial chains rather than exporting raw materials abroad.
AQS Expands African Exports to $420 Million
In a parallel development, Algerian Qatari Steel (AQS) announced that it has strengthened its presence in African markets, achieving $420 million in exports.
The company signed several key export contracts, including $195.6 million worth of products bound for West African countries, and another $98.2 million deal with Libyan partner El Nadjah, along with an additional $5 million contract. The first shipments to Nigeria are expected this month.
AQS also secured a $121 million partnership agreement and signed a $1.2 billion financing deal with Shelter Afrique Bank to support future projects.
According to Sofiane Chaib, AQS Vice President, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) has opened new and competitive opportunities for Algerian industrial exports across the continent.
Algeria Chemical Specialities (ACS) Signs Ten New African Agreements
Meanwhile, Holding Algeria Chemical Specialities (ACS) signed ten cooperation agreements with partners from Guinea, Mauritania, Tunisia, and Senegal.
The initial contracts are valued at $15 million, with projections to reach $40 million in the medium term. The agreements cover the export of a range of chemical and industrial products from various ACS subsidiaries, according to CEO Samir Yehyaoui, who highlighted the company’s ambition to expand its footprint in African markets.
Electronics, Footwear, and Maritime Transport Deals Strengthen African Links
Algerian electronics and home-appliance manufacturer Géant Electronics also concluded several trade contracts worth $11 million. The company will export electronic equipment to Tanzania ($5 million), Niger ($5 million), and Zimbabwe ($1 million).
The Algerian Maritime Transport Group (GATMA) signed an agreement with a Mauritanian partner to transport 50,000 tonnes of cement valued at $6 million.
Footwear manufacturer Arisshoes announced export deals worth $5 million to Tanzania and Zimbabwe, while private Algerian firms sealed new contracts for the export of medical equipment to Burkina Faso.
Sonatrach and Kenya’s NOC Strengthen Energy Cooperation
Separately, Algeria’s state energy company Sonatrach signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kenyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) to supply Kenya with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products. The agreement also covers joint exploration and production projects in the hydrocarbon sector.
Toward a Stronger African Economic Network
The signing of these multiple agreements reflects Algeria’s growing commitment to expand trade and industrial partnerships within Africa, in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives.
By promoting joint ventures, technology transfer, and value-added processing on the continent, Algeria seeks to position itself as a key player in Africa’s emerging industrial and export network.
