Algeria Bolsters Agricultural Sector with $420 Million Strategic Investment Through Italian Partnership
Algeria is set to strengthen its agricultural sector through a landmark $420 million investment, thanks to a strategic partnership with Italy. The ambitious project, spanning 36,000 hectares of farmland in the Timimoun region of southwestern Algeria, marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and enhance food security.
The agreement, signed between Italian agricultural firm Bonifiche Ferraresi (BF) and the Algerian government, underscores a shared commitment to modernizing Algeria’s agricultural infrastructure and boosting local food production.
A Landmark Partnership for a Transformative Project
The Algerian Ministry of Agriculture granted Bonifiche Ferraresi a concession contract on February 27, 2025, to cultivate a diverse range of crops, including cereals, legumes, and pasta. This initiative represents a critical milestone in Algeria’s broader strategy to modernize its agricultural sector and increase domestic food production.
The project will be implemented across 36,000 hectares in Timimoun, a region known for its favorable agricultural conditions. Crops such as wheat, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans will be cultivated, alongside soybeans, an oilseed crop. This diversification aims to meet rising domestic demand while reducing the country’s reliance on food imports.
Beyond crop cultivation, the project includes the development of essential infrastructure for processing and storage. Pasta production facilities, storage silos, and other critical installations will be established to ensure the efficiency of the production chain. This initiative goes beyond basic agriculture, positioning itself as a comprehensive economic development hub for the region.
A $420 Million Investment with Far-Reaching Impact
With a total budget of $420 million, the project is expected to have a profound economic impact. In addition to advancing food self-sufficiency, it will create over 6,700 jobs in the Timimoun region. These roles will span various sectors, from agricultural production to the management of processing and storage infrastructure. The initiative aims to stimulate the local economy, enhance Algeria’s agricultural capabilities, and generate sustainable employment opportunities.
This partnership with Bonifiche Ferraresi is part of a broader effort to strengthen economic ties between Algeria and Italy. It also aligns with a framework agreement signed in July 2024, which seeks to diversify Algeria’s economy beyond its hydrocarbon sector. By promoting the export of processed food products, particularly pasta, Algeria aims to carve out a niche in international markets while bolstering its domestic production capacity.
Strengthening National Food Security
In a context where Algeria is striving to reduce its dependence on imports, this project represents a significant step toward achieving food autonomy. It also aligns with the objectives of the national agricultural development plan, which focuses on improving production in strategic sectors such as cereals, legumes, and oilseed crops.
Through initiatives like this, Algeria is pursuing sustainable agricultural development to meet the growing needs of its population while contributing to the country’s economic diversification. The project serves as a model of international cooperation, where foreign investment supports national ambitions to transform the agricultural sector.
A New Era for Algerian Agriculture
In summary, the 36,000-hectare project, backed by a $420 million investment, heralds a new chapter for Algerian agriculture. The partnership between Algeria and Italy is poised to deliver significant economic and social benefits for the Timimoun region and the nation as a whole. By fostering innovation, creating jobs, and enhancing food security, this initiative underscores the transformative potential of strategic international collaboration in agriculture.
