Energy and Agriculture Ministries Collaborate to Boost Strategic Projects in Southern Algeria
The Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries are working closely to ensure the development of energy infrastructure essential for the success of strategic projects in southern Algeria. This collaboration is particularly focused on two key initiatives: the “Baladna” dairy production project in the Adrar province and the integrated cereal and legume production project in Timimoun.
A recent meeting held last Thursday between the two ministries evaluated the progress of energy connectivity for these projects. Energy infrastructure is a critical factor for the successful operation of the Baladna dairy complex, which aims to meet required standards. Similarly, the integrated cereal, legume, and pasta production project in Timimoun, developed under a framework agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Italian company Bonifiche Ferraresi (BF), also requires accelerated energy and gas connections to support agricultural and industrial production.
The meeting emphasized the need to speed up energy-related work across all strategic agricultural projects. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening monitoring and coordination mechanisms between sectors to ensure timely project completion.
Additionally, the discussions addressed sugar beet production projects in southern Algeria. Participants examined ways to provide the necessary energy support for these initiatives, which are vital for developing processing industries and enhancing national sugar production.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energy, and Youcef Cherfa, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries. Also in attendance were Mourad Adjal, CEO of the Sonelgaz Group, and officials from both ministries and Sonelgaz. The gathering underscored the ongoing coordination between the energy and agriculture sectors to support large-scale development projects.
Minister Arkab emphasized that the energy sector is working closely with agriculture to ensure the necessary energy infrastructure is in place for these strategic projects. He noted that Sonelgaz is actively expanding electricity and gas networks in the south to promote sustainable agricultural activity and improve investment conditions in the region.
Minister Cherfa stressed the importance of accelerating energy connectivity, given the role of these projects in reducing import dependency and strengthening Algeria’s food security. He added that providing farmers and investors with essential infrastructure, including energy, is a key component of the agricultural sector’s development strategy.
The meeting concluded by highlighting that achieving national food self-sufficiency depends on the complementary efforts of various sectors, particularly energy and agriculture, as well as creating an environment conducive to the success of major agricultural investments.
